Trump ‘Not Happy but Not Surprised’ by Russian Strikes in Ukraine as EU and UK Condemn Deadly Onslaught

In a recent Russia-Ukraine development, Trump ‘Not Happy but Not Surprised’ by Russian Strikes in Ukraine as EU and UK Condemn Deadly Onslaught. President Donald Trump expressed dismay yet little surprise after Russia launched one of its largest missile and drone assaults on Ukraine since the start of the war.

The deadly overnight strikes left at least 23 people dead, including four children, and damaged key civilian infrastructure, the European Union’s diplomatic mission in Kyiv, and the British Council. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump would issue “additional statements” later, while reiterating that peace could only come if both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “want it to end as well.”

Trump ‘Not Happy but Not Surprised’ by Russian Strikes in Ukraine as EU and UK Condemn Deadly Onslaught

Deadly Russian Strikes Hit Kyiv and Beyond

On Thursday, August 28, Russia launched long-range strikes on Ukrainian military targets using hypersonic Kinzhal missiles and drones, according to Moscow’s Defense Ministry.

Ukraine said it intercepted most of the missiles but acknowledged damage at 13 locations.

The strikes caused catastrophic destruction in Kyiv’s Darnytskyi district, where a five-storey residential building collapsed after being hit.

Officials confirmed that three of the children killed were aged two, 14, and 17, while dozens more civilians were wounded.

Rescue crews worked through the night, digging survivors out of rubble as fires raged across multiple sites. CCTV footage circulating online showed two missiles hitting central Kyiv near the defense company Ukrspecsystems.

Ukraine’s military also reported strikes on facilities operated by the Turkish defense firm Bayraktar and alleged Russian targeting of a naval vessel near the River Danube.

EU and UK Condemn Moscow’s Actions

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed outrage after two missiles exploded within 50 meters of the EU’s Kyiv delegation, calling the incident Russia’s “deadliest onslaught on Kyiv since July.”

“This is another grim reminder that Russia will stop at nothing to terrorize Ukraine, killing men, women and children, and even targeting the European Union,” von der Leyen said.

She announced that the EU would move ahead with a 19th package of sanctions against Russia and confirmed plans to visit seven member states bordering Russia and Belarus in the coming days.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attacks as a deliberate sabotage of peace efforts. “Putin is killing children and civilians and sabotaging hopes of peace,” he said, noting that the British Council’s office in Kyiv was severely damaged.

The EU and UK summoned Russian envoys in response to the strikes, underscoring their unified stance against Moscow’s aggression.

Trump’s Response: ‘Not Happy but Not Surprised’

While reacting to the strikes, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump had long warned that the war could escalate, stressing that both Kyiv and Moscow must desire peace.

“He was not happy about this news, but he was also not surprised,” Leavitt said.

Trump has been pursuing a peace initiative, recently hosting Vladimir Putin in Alaska and then meeting with Zelensky in Washington.

However, the Kremlin has downplayed the possibility of direct peace talks between Putin and Zelensky.

Leavitt added: “Perhaps both sides of this war are not ready to end it themselves. The President wants it to end, but the leaders of these two countries need to want it as well.”

Civilian Casualties and Infrastructure Damage

The strikes knocked out power to more than 100,000 Ukrainian homes across multiple regions, including 60,000 consumers in Vinnytsia.

Ukraine’s energy operator Ukrenergo confirmed widespread damage to energy infrastructure.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko described the bombardment as one of the city’s largest in months, with damage across all districts. At least 63 people were injured.

Ukraine’s President Zelensky called the strikes “Moscow’s answer to peace efforts” and demanded “new, tough sanctions” from Europe and the US.

EU’s Call for Negotiations

Von der Leyen urged Vladimir Putin to “come to the negotiating table,” emphasizing Europe’s commitment to securing Ukraine’s long-term stability.

“We must secure a just and lasting peace for Ukraine with firm and credible security guarantees that will turn the country into a steel porcupine,” she said.

Her remarks came as the UN Security Council prepared an emergency meeting to discuss the strikes. Ukraine and five European nations Britain, France, Slovenia, Denmark, and Greece called for the session.

Moscow’s Position

Russia’s Defense Ministry maintained that its strikes targeted only military-industrial sites, including weapons factories and airfields, while denying responsibility for civilian casualties.

Moscow also accused Western nations of prolonging the conflict by supplying Kyiv with advanced weaponry.

Despite its ongoing offensive, the Kremlin said it remained “interested” in peace talks. However, Ukrainian and Western officials pointed to the civilian death toll as evidence of Moscow’s refusal to negotiate in good faith.

US Peace Efforts Faltering

President Trump’s push for a peace summit involving Putin and Zelensky has faced repeated setbacks.

While Zelensky has supported talks mediated by the US, Moscow has been reluctant to engage directly with Kyiv.

The latest escalation threatens to derail ongoing diplomatic efforts. US officials are scheduled to meet Ukrainian envoys in New York to discuss “military, political, and economic security guarantees.”

Keith Kellogg, the US special envoy on Ukraine, condemned Russia’s attacks:

“The targets? Not soldiers and weapons but residential areas in Kyiv blasting civilian trains, the EU & British mission council offices, and innocent civilians.”

Outlook: War Escalates Despite Diplomatic Pushes

With the war entering its third year, the gap between diplomatic overtures and battlefield realities is widening. Zelensky has called for Europe and the US to strengthen sanctions and security guarantees, while Russia escalates strikes across Ukrainian cities.

The latest Russian attacks, which involved nearly 600 drones and more than 30 missiles, highlight the intensity of Moscow’s strategy to pressure Ukraine and its allies. Ukrainian air defenses claimed to have downed most of the drones and missiles, yet the damage to civilian life and infrastructure remains devastating.

Von der Leyen’s stark warning that “Russia will stop at nothing” underscores the fragility of peace initiatives. For Trump, the strikes represent both a humanitarian tragedy and a political test as he seeks to position himself as a global mediator.

Also Read: Trump-Zelensky Meeting Sparks Hope for Peace Deal: ‘Good Chance of Ending Russia-Ukraine War’

Also Read: Russian missiles pound Ukraine, damage EU and British offices