US President Donald Trump was “not happy” about Russia’s latest missile and drone attacks on Ukraine that killed dozens of people, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday.

The president is expected to make a formal statement later in the day, as Washington continues to push for a ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv.

WHITE HOUSE REACTS TO RUSSIA STRIKES

Leavitt told reporters that Trump’s reaction reflected both concern and reluctant 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 intends to address the issue later on Thursday in more detail.

Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska nearly two weeks ago in an effort to push for a ceasefire. However, despite those talks, little progress has been made toward halting the conflict. The latest escalation appears to have weakened hopes for an immediate breakthrough.

Leavitt noted that the attacks were deadly but also pointed to damage inflicted on Russia in recent weeks. “Ukrainian attacks in August did significant damage to Russian oil refineries,” she said. She added that while Trump remains committed to ending the war, “perhaps both sides of this war are not ready to end it themselves.”

The president has repeatedly said he wants a negotiated end to the conflict and has been urging both Putin and Zelenskyy to meet face to face. His plan involves first bringing the two leaders together, followed by a three-way meeting where Trump would participate in direct talks.

However, so far no such meeting has been scheduled. Asked earlier this week why Putin has resisted meeting Zelenskyy, Trump bluntly replied that the Russian leader “simply does not like him.”

RUSSIAN MISSILES POUND UKRAINE

Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, Russia unleashed a massive wave of missile and drone strikes on Ukraine early Thursday.

According to Ukrainian officials, overnight strikes killed at least 21 people in Kyiv and damaged civilian infrastructure.

Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, condemned the assault, saying it was Moscow’s 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.

– Ends

With inputs from Reuters

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