A massive missile attack on Kyiv early Thursday reportedly killed at least nine people and injured dozens, including children. The strike happened hours after US President Donald Trump slammed the Ukrainian president, saying Volodymyr Zelensky is prolonging the "killing field” after pushing back on ceding Crimea to Russia as part of a potential peace plan. 

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An alert was issued by the Ukrainian authorities for a missile attack, and media reports mentioned that explosions were heard across the capital. "Kyiv is being attacked by enemy missiles," the city's military authorities said on Telegram. 

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"While Ukrainian ministers were in London working towards peace, (President Vladimir) Putin's Russia was attacking the Ukrainian people," UK Foreign Minister David Lammy said on X.

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"These are not the actions of a man of peace," he added. Junior foreign minister Stephen Doughty condemned the "absolutely horrific scenes" after Thursday's attack as "a stark reminder of the continued bloodshed and aggression perpetrated by Putin"

Zelensky cuts short South Africa trip

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky cancelled part of his trip to South Africa on Thursday after the missile strikes. He said that the strikes on the Ukrainian capital was designed to put "pressure" on the United States. 

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"Russia understands that Ukraine is standing up, defending its rights and (it) is putting pressure on our people. It is also putting pressure on America," Zelensky told journalists in South Africa. "This is what I also link today's attack with." 

Zelensky on Crimea

Zelensky said that Kyiv would do "everything" its allies wanted but could not recognise Russia's annexation of Crimea, considered illegal under Ukraine's constitution.

"We do everything that our partners have proposed, only what contradicts our legislation and the constitution we cannot do," Zelensky told reporters on being asked about Ukraine's position on ceasefire talks.

Also read: Ukraine announces peace talks plan; Russia signals positive stance on any peace initiative

What did Trump say? 

Amid peace talks, Trump slammed the Ukrainian president. "It's inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy's that makes it so difficult to settle this War," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. 

Recently, media reports claimed that Trump was ready to accept recognition of annexed Crimea as Russian territory. Previously, Vice President JD Vance said land swaps would be fundamental to any deal. 

Also read: ‘Ready to sit down’: Zelensky open to direct talks with Putin after ceasefire; says he'll meet Trump at Pope’s funeral

In his post, Trump was referring to Zelensky's comments, published in the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday, in which he said that ceding Crimea is against Ukraine's constitution.

"Ukraine will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea," Zelensky was quoted as saying. "There is nothing to talk about here." Trump lambasted Zelensky over the remarks. 

"This statement is very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia," Trump said, adding that if Ukraine "wants Crimea, why didn't they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?" 

Also read: BIG win for Russian president Putin? US may recognise Crimea as part of Russia-Ukraine peace deal

He added: "The statement made by Zelenskyy today will do nothing but prolong the 'killing field,' and nobody wants that!"

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

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Meanwhile, Ukraine said Wednesday that it was "committed" to Washington-led efforts to end the war with Russia. But Vance threatened to abandon negotiations if a deal was not reached soon.

"We emphasised that we are committed to the peace efforts of US President Donald Trump," Yermak said after talks in London with representatives of Kyiv's allies, adding: "We are grateful to our partners for their firm support and common desire to end the war as soon as possible." 

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos