Trump asks Putin to stop attacks in Ukraine, says 5,000 soldiers dying weekly

United States President Donald Trump has criticised Vladimir Putin following Russia’s overnight missile and drone strikes on Kyiv, Ukraine.

In a social media post on Thursday, Trump asked Putin to put a stop to the attacks, saying thousands of soldiers are dying per week.

“I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV,” Trump wrote.

“Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5,000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!”

In March, Trump said he was very angry with Putin over calling for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to be pushed aside for a transitional government.

It was a rare move by Trump to criticise Putin, whom he has generally spoken positively about during discussions to end the war in Ukraine.

In February, Trump also released a barrage of critical comments about Zelensky’s leadership, calling him a “dictator” and making unfounded claims that he had “poor approval” ratings in Ukraine.

According to Al Jazeera, Zelensky held talks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria.

The pro-Russia opposition condemned the visit, while protesters gathered outside government buildings with a banner reading, “Shame on you, Ramaphosa and Zelensky”.

Zelensky cut short his first state visit to South Africa after overnight Russian attacks killed at least 12 people in Kyiv.