Trump makes rare criticism of Russia after deadly airstrikes on Ukraine capital | BBC News

President Trump has said he is "not happy" with deadly Russian strikes on Kyiv and that President Vladimir Putin should stop them, in rare criticism of Russia.

Mr Trump wrote: "Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP!" in a post on Truth Social, adding: "Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!"

Russia’s overnight strikes killed at least eight people and injured 77 more according to local officials. Mr Trump refused to say whether the US is considering placing more sanctions on Russia but warned "things will happen" if the bombings don’t end.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said the US could be more forceful with Russia to secure a ceasefire. "We believe that if more pressure is applied to Russia, we’ll be able to make our positions closer," Zelensky told reporters on a visit to South Africa.

When asked if he would be willing to make any concessions, Zelensky said the fact that Ukraine is prepared to negotiate with Russia is a "huge compromise" and a "ceasefire must be the first step".

Trump had accused the Ukrainian leader of harming peace negotiations, after Zelensky said Kyiv would not recognise Russian control of Crimea, the southern peninsula illegally annexed by Russia in 2014.

Jane Hill presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Jon Donnison, Sarah Smith and Steve Rosenberg.

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