Trump accuses Zelenskyy of harming peace talks as Russian missiles kill nine and wound dozens in Kyiv

23 April 2025, 19:11 | Updated: 24 April 2025, 05:46

Donald Trump has claimed a deal to end Russia's war on Ukraine is "very close" and urged Volodymyr Zelenskyy to "get it done", even as Russian missiles and drones brought more carnage to Kyiv overnight.

The Kyiv City Military Administration said a large-scale Russian strike on the Ukrainian capital had killed nine people and injured another 63, including six children.

On Wednesday, President Trump appeared to vent frustration about Mr Zelenskyy on his Truth Social platform.

"We are very close to a deal, but the man with 'no cards to play' should now, finally, GET IT DONE," Mr Trump said.

"I look forward to being able to help Ukraine, and Russia, get out of this complete and total MESS, that would have never started if I were president!"

Ukraine war latest: 'We are very close to deal', Trump claims

Mr Trump also criticised Mr Zelenskyy for telling the Wall Street Journal that Ukraine would not accept giving up Crimea as part of a peace deal with Russia.

And he accused the Ukrainian president of harming peace negotiations with "inflammatory statements".

Reports say that the US president's seven-point peace plan to end the war includes a proposal that America would formally recognise Russian sovereignty over Crimea - which was annexed in 2014 and which Ukraine maintains is its territory.

"It's inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy's that makes it so difficult to settle this war," Mr Trump added. "He has nothing to boast about!

"The situation for Ukraine is dire - He can have peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole country."