NEW DELHI: In a rare public condemnation of Russian aggression, former U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop attacks on Ukraine, following Moscow's deadliest missile and drone barrage on Kyiv in months.

The direct plea from Mr. Trump came hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Western allies to step up pressure on Russia. The Ukrainian leader cut short his South Africa trip to address the aftermath of the strikes, which killed at least 12 and wounded 90 in Kyiv alone.

“I am not happy with the Russian strikes,” Trump posted on social media. “Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP!”

When pressed by reporters about any concessions Moscow had made during ongoing negotiations, Mr. Trump replied, “Stopping taking the whole country — pretty big concession.”

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began in 2022, has dragged into a prolonged war with heavy casualties on both sides. Despite repeated international appeals, Moscow has intensified aerial attacks in recent weeks.

Mr. Trump has faced criticism for appearing sympathetic to Moscow, and just a day earlier accused President Zelenskyy of hindering peace efforts by refusing to acknowledge Russia’s claim over Crimea — a territory annexed by Moscow in 2014 and considered lost by Trump.

In contrast, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, speaking at the White House on Thursday, said Russia bears the responsibility to advance negotiations. “The balls are clearly in the Russian court now,” Rutte stated.

Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to arrive in Russia this week to continue ceasefire talks with President Putin.

Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched at least 70 missiles and 145 drones during the assault on Kyiv, which began shortly after midnight. The Ukrainian capital, usually shielded by advanced air defenses, rarely sees attacks of this scale.

Ukrainian officials claimed Russia used a North Korean ballistic missile in the latest wave of strikes. “We do everything our partners propose, but we cannot violate our Constitution,” Zelenskyy said when asked about compromise over Crimea.

Mr. Zelenskyy also criticized allies for not doing enough to pressure Russia into a full and unconditional ceasefire. “I don’t see any strong pressure on Russia or any new sanctions packages,” he said.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of devastation in Kyiv’s Sviatoshinsky district. “People were being pulled out of the rubble,” said Olena Davydiuk, a 33-year-old lawyer. AFP journalists reported seeing bodies and distressed survivors in the aftermath.

Russia claimed it targeted Ukraine’s defense industry, including facilities producing “rocket fuel and gunpowder.”

The attack follows another deadly missile strike on April 13 in the northeastern city of Sumy, which killed at least 35 people, raising fresh doubts about diplomatic efforts to end the war.