'Vladimir, STOP!'

DONALD Trump yesterday begged Vladimir Putin to stop his merciless bombardment of Ukraine after Russian missiles killed at least 12 people in strikes on capital Kyiv.

- By Giles Sheldrick Chief Reporter

In an extraordinary intervention, the US President took to his Truth Social platform to issue the Russian despot his most public rebuke yet amid tense peace talks.

Ukrainian military sources claimed a weapon made in North Korea was among the projectiles used in the deadliest assault on Kyiv since last July.

Amid global fury at the overnight attacks in which 90 were also injured, President Trump said: “I am not happy with the Russian strikes on Kyiv.

“Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5,000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the peace deal done!”

It came after the White House said it was prepared to walk away from any attempts to broker peace between the warring countries.

Putin was condemned for ordering multiple strikes at a time when he has publicly stated he wants to explore a peace deal.

Ukraine security sources claimed more than 20 targeted strikes were carried out using drones and cruise missiles, with residential areas hit.

The death toll in Kyiv is expected to rise today as emergency workers continue to sift through the debris.

The Kremlin said the assault was aimed at defence infrastructure sites, but distressing pictures showed homes were struck.