US President Donald Trump expressed strong dissatisfaction following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where he condemned Russia’s recent missile and drone attacks on Ukraine. This most extensive assault since the onset of the conflict has left many Ukrainians seeking shelter, intensifying fears of further violence. In a statement, Trump remarked, “He wants to go all the way, just keep killing people, it’s no good,” suggesting potential sanctions against Moscow.
Following this tension, Russia unleashed a significant bombardment across Ukraine, including Kyiv, where residents could hear the whirring of drones and explosions throughout the night. The Ukrainian military’s air defense systems were activated to counter the assault, which included a record-breaking 539 drones and 11 missiles, marking the largest wave of attacks to date in the ongoing war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also connected with Trump and emphasized collaborative efforts to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities. “We spoke about opportunities in air defense,” he shared on social media, underscoring the urgency of bolstering protections against aerial assaults.
Eyewitness accounts from Kyiv described the extent of the assault as unprecedented, with one resident, Tymur, saying, “Nothing like this attack had ever happened before. There have never been so many explosions.” Tragically, Russian artillery and drone strikes resulted in injuries, with at least three reported in Eastern Ukraine as well as additional casualties in Kyiv, including 26 wounded. Emergency services reported rescuing one individual from debris after a strike.
The Kremlin stated that political and diplomatic solutions to the conflict remain preferable but affirmed that the military campaign would continue in the absence of negotiations. Despite Russia’s claims of territorial gains, including the capture of a village in the Donetsk region, many observers noted an increase in air alerts throughout the country as the Trump-Putin call unfolded.
Internationally, Poland reported damage to its embassy in Kyiv, although personnel remained uninjured. Meanwhile, concerns escalated over the stability of US military aid to Ukraine, with indications that support may be reduced. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen remarked that this scenario highlighted the necessity for the European Union to enhance its role in responding to the crisis.
As discussions to secure a ceasefire have stalled, the last meeting between Ukrainian and Russian delegations occurred over a month ago, resulting in an agreement to exchange 1,000 prisoners each. However, ongoing hostilities have escalated, with Ukraine launching retaliatory strikes within Russia, resulting in civilian casualties.
The developments underscore a tense period in the conflict, with no immediate resolution in sight as both sides prepare for further military engagements.
