Trump Warns Russian Missile Strike in Kyiv May Hinder Ukraine Peace Talks
Impact of Russian Missile Strike on Ukraine Peace Efforts
Trump's Remarks on the Kyiv Attack
ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE, May 15 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday suggested a Russian missile strike on a Kyiv apartment building that killed 24 people, including three children, could set back efforts to find a peaceful settlement to Moscow's war in Ukraine.
Discussions with President Xi Jinping
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his way back from China, Trump - who has tried and so far failed to broker an end to a war he has called a senseless bloodbath - said he had discussed the conflict with President Xi Jinping and that both leaders had agreed that they wanted the fighting to end.
Trump's Outlook on Peace Prospects
"It's one that we'd like to see settled. Until last night, it was looking good, but they (the Ukrainians) took a big hit last night. So it's gonna happen (the end of the war). But it's a shame," Trump said, in a reference to the Russian attack.
Reactions from Ukraine and Russia
Zelenskiy's Response to the Strike
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called for Moscow to be punished for the strike after laying red roses at the rubble of the apartment building on Friday.
Russian Claims and Civilian Impact
Russia said that Ukrainian drones had killed four people, including a child, in an overnight strike on the city of Ryazan.
Both sides say they do not deliberately target civilians.
Diplomatic Developments and Future Talks
Putin's Upcoming Visit to China
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to travel to China and meet Xi next week. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters the exact dates would be announced soon.
Agenda for Putin and Xi Meeting
Peskov said Putin hoped to discuss Trump's China visit with Xi, as well as bilateral ties and international matters.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Trevor Huunnicutt; additional reporting by Jarrett Renshaw and Susan Heavey in Washington; Writing by Gleb Bryanski/Andrew Osborn Editing by Ros Russell)
