President Trump fired back at a reporter Thursday who claimed he wasn’t applying enough pressure on Russia to end its war on Ukraine.
The exchange came after Russia launched its deadliest strike on Kyiv since summer 2024, killing 12 and forcing over 16,000 people into subways for shelter. Trump said he was “not happy” with the missile attacks and urged both nations to pursue peace.
“I didn’t like last night. I wasn’t happy with it and we’re in the midst of talking peace and missiles were fired. And I was not happy with it,” Trump told CNN’s Jeff Zeleny.
Another reporter pressed Trump, asking why he isn’t doing more to stop the violence. Trump snapped back that his administration is already working behind the scenes.
“I’m putting a lot of pressure on Russia. They’re dealing,” Trump said. “You have no idea what pressure I’m putting on Russia. I’m putting a lot of pressure.”
He went on, “We’re putting a lot of pressure on Russia and Russia knows that… the prime minister knows that better than anybody. And we’re putting a lot of pressure.”
Trump said he believes Putin is willing to make a deal, but emphasized that Ukraine also has to be ready. “It takes two to tango,” he said. “I do believe they want to make a deal.”
On Truth Social, Trump condemned the missile strikes on Kyiv, calling them “very bad timing” and unnecessary. “Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!”
He also took aim at Ukrainian President Zelenskyy for refusing to budge on Crimea, saying it was hurting peace talks. “The statement made by Zelenskyy today will do nothing but prolong the ‘killing field,’ and nobody wants that!”
Trump claimed a deal is close and insisted the war wouldn’t have happened if he were in office. “I look forward to being able to help Ukraine, and Russia, get out of this Complete and Total MESS.”