Washington/Kyiv: Russia launched its deadliest assault on Kyiv this year, killing at least 12 people and wounding 90 others, in a large-scale missile and drone attack that devastated residential areas and reignited diplomatic urgency. The attack drew a rare and pointed rebuke from U.S. President Donald Trump, who publicly told Russian President Vladimir Putin: “Vladimir, STOP!”
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump confirmed that his administration was applying “a lot of pressure” on Moscow and reiterated his disapproval of the strike. Despite the escalation, he signaled hope for diplomacy, claiming that “pretty big” progress had been made in negotiations and that the Kremlin had made significant concessions regarding Ukraine.
“This next few days is going to be very important. Meetings are taking place right now,” Trump said. “I think we’re going to make a deal … I think we’re getting very close.”
Russia pounded Kyiv with missiles and drones overnight, killing at least 12 people in the biggest attack on the Ukrainian capital this year and drawing a rare rebuke from US President Donald Trump https://t.co/Bcv9sSCnZ4 pic.twitter.com/CVgHw8mEvK
— Reuters (@Reuters) April 25, 2025
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in an interview with CBS News’ Face the Nation, echoed cautious optimism. “The effort was moving in the right direction,” Lavrov said, while noting that “some specific points … need to be fine-tuned.” He did not elaborate further.
Trump noted that the U.S. was also pressing Ukraine to show flexibility. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, appearing alongside Trump, said more discussions would be held over the weekend and stressed that Washington expected both sides to “step up” and finalize an agreement.
Following talks in Washington, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said that Kyiv was actively working toward a resolution. “There is something on the table now I think, where Ukrainians are really playing ball, and I think the ball is clearly in the Russian court now,” he said.
Ukrainian officials reported that the overnight assault triggered massive destruction across Kyiv. Fires broke out at more than 40 locations as rescuers searched for survivors. The city’s military administration chief, Tymur Tkachenko, confirmed 12 fatalities and dozens of injuries.
“There was the air raid siren, we did not even have time to dress to go out of the apartment. One blast came after the other, all windows were blown out, doors, walls, my husband and son were thrown to the other side,” said Kyiv resident Viktoria Bakal.
Emergency teams worked at 13 sites using climbing experts and sniffer dogs, while mobile phones continued to ring under the debris, according to local officials.
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was a coordinated strike targeting Ukraine’s military-industrial facilities using long-range, high-precision weapons launched from air, land, and sea. Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s stance that it does not target civilians.
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However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy alleged that Russia used a North Korean KN-23 (KN-23A) ballistic missile during the strike, based on preliminary data. He also said the aerial assault was designed to mask intensified ground operations, particularly near Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine—operations which, according to Ukrainian sources, were successfully repelled.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed that in addition to Kyiv, at least seven other regions came under attack. The northeastern city of Kharkiv, Zhytomyr region, and the industrial hub of Pavlohrad in Dnipropetrovsk were among the affected areas.
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On Truth Social, Trump expressed his frustration: “I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!”
When asked if he believed Putin would heed his call, Trump replied, “I do.”
Amid escalating tensions, the White House has warned that it may reconsider its diplomatic push if visible progress isn’t achieved soon. Trump recently clashed with Zelenskiy, particularly over Crimea, stating it would be “very difficult” for Ukraine to regain the peninsula. In contrast, Trump has maintained a notably more conciliatory tone toward Putin, whom his special envoy is expected to meet on Friday for further discussions.
