Putin Unleashes Record-Breaking Assault on Ukraine Following Trump-Putin Call
In a dramatic and deadly escalation, Russia launched its most extensive missile and drone barrage against Ukraine since the invasion began mere hours after a tense and unproductive phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
According to Ukrainian officials, the overnight attack was unprecedented in scale. The Ukrainian Air Force reported fending off 539 drones and 11 missiles, resulting in 23 civilian injuries, in what it called the largest single aerial assault since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
The skies over Kyiv buzzed with the sound of Iranian-made Shahed drones, while loud blasts echoed throughout the capital as air defense systems engaged incoming threats.
The Associated Press (AP) and BBC also confirmed the scale of the assault, noting that it comes amid deepening concerns over stalled U.S. military support and fading prospects for a diplomatic resolution.
President Trump, who has typically struck a more optimistic tone following past talks with Putin, admitted this time that no progress was made during the call. The Kremlin, for its part, reiterated that Russia would press forward with its military objectives, showing no signs of compromise.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reacted swiftly, stating on social media:
“Once again, Russia proves it has no intention of ending its campaign of war and terror. Without serious, large-scale pressure—especially from the United States—Russia’s destructive behavior won’t change.”
Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga went further, saying the attack was evidence of Putin’s blatant disregard for U.S. efforts and global appeals to end the conflict.
The timing of the assault has raised alarms in Kyiv, as uncertainty looms over the future of U.S. aid. The Biden administration recently announced a reduction in military shipments to Ukraine, drawing concern from European leaders.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called it a “clear signal” for the EU to “step up” and fill the growing void.
Meanwhile, residents of Kyiv were seen sheltering in subway stations as air raid sirens wailed through the night. The psychological toll of repeated attacks particularly of this scale is growing, even as Ukrainian defenses continue to intercept the majority of incoming projectiles.
While Russia has intensified its aerial campaigns, Ukraine has not remained passive. According to local Russian officials, Ukrainian drone strikes have increased deep inside Russian territory, including a recent incident where a woman was killed after a Ukrainian drone crashed into an apartment building.
