In a recent address, former President Donald Trump highlighted his administration’s efforts to mediate the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. He emphasized the urgency of halting hostilities and reducing casualties in a war that has claimed thousands of lives.
Trump stated, “We are working very hard to stop the ninth war, the killings and slaughter between Russia and Ukraine, where 25,000 soldiers die each month, a war that would never have happened if I were president.” His remarks reflect a continued focus on international diplomacy amid escalating violence.
During his speech, Trump also referenced the tragic story of Irina Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee who was murdered in North Carolina. He addressed her mother, who was present in the audience, and recounted the family’s ordeal. Zarutska had fled Ukraine with her daughter at the onset of the full-scale invasion, seeking refuge with relatives in Charlotte.
Trump recounted, “We are proud to have here today a woman who has gone through hell – Anna Zarutska. In 2022, she and her beautiful daughter, a very lovely young woman named Irina, left war-torn Ukraine to live with relatives in Charlotte, North Carolina.” He detailed the circumstances of Irina’s death, stating that she was a victim of a violent crime last summer.
According to Trump, the 23-year-old was attacked while returning home, suffering fatal knife wounds. He expressed his commitment to seeking justice for her family, stating, “No one will forget the expression on Irina’s face as she looked at her attacker in the last seconds of her life. She escaped from war only to be killed by a criminal. Mrs. Zarutska, today I promise justice in the case of your beautiful daughter, Irina.”
Irina Zarutska’s body was discovered on August 22 at a light rail station in Charlotte. She had arrived in the United States following the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. Police reports indicated that she sustained lethal stab wounds, and a suspect, 34-year-old Dekarlos Brown, was apprehended shortly after the incident.
Brown faces first-degree murder charges, although the motive for the crime has not yet been established. Records show that he has a history of arrests dating back to 2011, with charges including serious theft, armed robbery, and threats, most of which were eventually dismissed. Additionally, he was charged in January 2025 with the improper use of the 911 system, a case that is still pending.
Former President Donald Trump addressed the Ukraine-Russia conflict and the murder of Ukrainian refugee Irina Zarutska in a recent speech. He emphasized the need for diplomatic efforts to end the war and expressed condolences to Zarutska's family, vowing to seek justice for her tragic death.