US President Donald Trump expressed displeasure over Russia’s recent missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, which resulted in multiple casualties, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday. Trump is expected to issue a formal statement later in the day as efforts continue in Washington to secure a ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv.
Leavitt told reporters that Trump’s reaction reflected both concern and cautious acceptance. “He was not happy about this news, but he was also not surprised. These are two countries that have been at war for a very long time,” she said.
The White House confirmed that Trump plans to address the situation in more detail later on Thursday. He previously met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska nearly two weeks ago in an attempt to push for a ceasefire, but little progress has been achieved so far. The recent escalation appears to have dampened hopes for an immediate breakthrough.
Leavitt also noted that while the attacks were deadly, Ukraine had recently inflicted notable damage on Russian targets. “Ukrainian attacks in August did significant damage to Russian oil refineries,” she said, adding that Trump remains committed to ending the war, though “perhaps both sides of this war are not ready to end it themselves.”
Trump has consistently advocated for a negotiated resolution to the conflict, urging both Putin and Zelenskyy to meet face to face. His plan calls for an initial meeting between the two leaders, followed by a three-way discussion including himself. However, no such meeting has been scheduled, and when asked why Putin has resisted talks, Trump remarked that the Russian leader “simply does not like him.”
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, Russia launched a major wave of missile and drone strikes on Ukraine early Thursday. Ukrainian officials reported at least 21 fatalities in Kyiv along with damage to civilian infrastructure.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, stating that Moscow’s assault was a response to renewed diplomatic efforts. “This strike is Russia’s answer to peace initiatives. It shows they have no interest in ending this war,” he said.
