Russian missiles pummeled Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, today, killing at least 12 people and injuring 90 others. It was the deadliest attack on the city in nearly a year.

President Trump, who just hours earlier had suggested that Ukraine’s president was the central impediment to peace, issued a rare public rebuke of Vladimir Putin: “Vladimir, STOP!” Trump wrote on his social media platform. “I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing.”

During an Oval Office meeting this afternoon, the president promised that he was putting a lot of pressure on Russia behind the scenes and said the country had made a “pretty big concession.” Pressed on what the concession was, Trump replied, “Stopping taking the whole country.”

Trump also made clear that the strikes did not change his view on the war. Unlike the Biden administration — which was proudly Ukraine’s chief benefactor — Trump said he had “no allegiance” to either side and that his only goal was to stop the fighting and save lives.

European officials said they agreed with the Ukrainians that the proposed American peace plan was too favorable to Russia. And a core group of European countries have said they are prepared to keep supporting Ukraine should the Americans walk away.

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