Trump Warns Deadly Kyiv Strike May Hinder Ukraine Peace Efforts

Former US President Donald Trump stated that a recent Russian missile strike on an apartment building in Kyiv, which killed 24 people including three children, could significantly setback ongoing efforts to negotiate a peaceful end to the war in Ukraine. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning from China, Trump noted that prior to the attack, prospects for a settlement appeared promising. He revealed that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping had agreed on the desire to end the fighting, describing the conflict as a senseless bloodbath. In response to the tragedy, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the site of the destruction and called for Moscow to be held accountable. Meanwhile, Russia reported that Ukrainian drone strikes on the city of Ryazan resulted in four deaths, including a child. Both nations maintain they do not deliberately target civilians. The incident occurs amidst heightened diplomatic activity, with Russian President Vladimir Putin scheduled to meet President Xi in Beijing shortly after Trump's departure, where bilateral ties and the Ukraine conflict are expected to be key discussion points.