Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said Moscow is prepared to negotiate a deal to end the war in Ukraine, just hours after former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly urged Vladimir Putin to halt missile and drone strikes that killed at least 12 civilians in Kyiv — the deadliest attack on the capital in months.

“We are ready to reach a deal, but there are still some specific points... which need to be fine-tuned,” Lavrov told CBS News in a rare international interview. He added that the negotiations, which include U.S. representatives, are “moving in the right direction.”

Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to arrive in Russia on Friday to continue ceasefire talks. The former U.S. president, who has faced criticism for his perceived alignment with Moscow, issued a rare rebuke on social media:
“Vladimir, STOP!” he wrote, calling the timing of the strikes "very bad" and "not necessary."

Trump claimed that Russia had already made a major concession in peace talks by “stopping taking the whole country,” though he did not elaborate on the specifics of any deal.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who cut short a visit to South Africa following the air assault, criticized Western allies for failing to pressure Moscow into a ceasefire.
“I don't see any strong pressure on Russia or any new sanctions,” Zelensky said. He also rejected Trump’s suggestion that Ukraine should concede Crimea to Russia, stating, “We cannot do what contradicts our Constitution.”

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte backed Ukraine’s position during a visit to Washington, saying,
“The ball is clearly in the Russian court now.”

Massive Air Assault and Ground Offensive
Ukraine’s air force reported Russia fired at least 70 missiles and 145 drones late Wednesday into Thursday, mainly targeting Kyiv. Ukrainian emergency services confirmed 12 deaths and at least 90 injuries in the capital’s Sviatoshinsky district.

Zelensky said Russian forces used North Korean ballistic missiles and described scenes of destruction: “People were being pulled out of the rubble,” said Olena Davydiuk, a 33-year-old Kyiv resident.

Following the air assault, Russia reportedly launched intensified ground attacks in several regions, taking advantage of Ukraine’s momentary focus on air defense.

The status of Crimea remains a major sticking point. Trump has publicly stated that Crimea was “lost years ago,” suggesting Kyiv should consider a compromise, but Zelensky and Ukraine’s allies remain firm that territorial integrity is non-negotiable.

With ceasefire talks reportedly ongoing, Lavrov indicated that while Russia is open to a deal, “negotiations will continue with Washington.” However, the continued escalation on the battlefield and civilian casualties paint a grim picture for any immediate peace breakthrough.