White House on Kyiv Strike: Trump ‘Unhappy but Not Surprised’ by Russia’s Attack

The White House has weighed in after Russia’s massive overnight strike on Kyiv left at least 21 people dead — including four children — and hundreds injured.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that while President Donald Trump was “not happy” about the attack, he was also “not surprised.”

“It’s not about if I agree, it’s about what the President thinks,” Leavitt explained. “He was not happy about this news, but he was also not surprised.”

A Brutal Night in Kyiv

In the early hours of August 28, Russian forces unleashed nearly 600 drones and 31 missiles on Ukraine, with Kyiv as the primary target. The onslaught was one of the most severe in recent months, underscoring how far peace remains out of reach.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes, saying the attack proves that Russian leader Vladimir Putin “chooses missiles over peace.”

The Bigger Picture

Leavitt reminded reporters that while Russia pounded Kyiv, Ukrainian forces continued targeting Russian oil refineries — knocking out nearly 20% of the country’s refining capacity.

“The President is continuing to watch this intently,” she said. “This killing, unfortunately, will continue as long as the war continues, which is why the President wants it to end, and that’s why he’s worked harder than anyone to end this war.”

Still, she acknowledged the stalemate: neither Ukraine nor Russia appear ready to stop fighting. “The leaders of Ukraine and Russia must want it,” she added.

What Comes Next?

The latest escalation highlights the grim reality: civilians remain on the front lines of a war that shows no signs of slowing. For Trump and the White House, the focus is on pushing both sides toward peace — but for Kyiv’s residents, the priority is simply surviving the next wave of missiles.