U.S. President Donald Trump indicated Friday that a fatal Russian missile attack on an apartment complex in Kyiv, which claimed 24 lives including three children, may hinder ongoing peace negotiations regarding Moscow’s conflict with Ukraine.
Trump made these remarks while speaking with reporters during his return flight from China aboard Air Force One. The president, who has attempted unsuccessfully to mediate an end to what he has described as a senseless bloodbath, revealed that he had spoken about the conflict with President Xi Jinping, with both leaders expressing their desire to see the hostilities cease.
“It’s one that we’d like to see settled. Until last night, it was looking good, but they (the Ukrainians) took a big hit last night. So it’s gonna happen (the end of the war). But it’s a shame,” Trump stated, referring to the Russian assault.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy demanded punishment for Moscow following the attack, placing red roses at the destroyed apartment building’s debris on Friday.
Russia reported that Ukrainian drones had killed four individuals, including one child, during a nighttime attack on the city of Ryazan.
Both nations claim they do not intentionally target civilian populations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is anticipated to visit China and meet with Xi next week. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov informed reporters that specific dates would be announced shortly.
Peskov stated that Putin plans to discuss Trump’s China visit with Xi, along with bilateral relations and international issues.
