Diplomatic conversation between Putin and Trump, followed by a violent incident in Kiev
In a dramatic turn of events, Ukraine faced one of the largest Russian aerial assaults in recent months, just hours after a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump on July 4, 2025.
During the call, Putin reaffirmed Russia's commitment to its war objectives in Ukraine, signalling no intention of pursuing peace at that time. Trump expressed disappointment, stating that no progress was made towards securing a ceasefire.
Simultaneously, Ukraine was hit by more than 550 aerial weapons, including over 330 Iranian-made Shahed drones and various types of missiles. The capital, Kyiv, was the primary target, causing injuries, fires, and significant air pollution.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised the timing of the strikes, describing them as a deliberate demonstration that Russia intends to continue the war and terror.
In a related development, Trump spoke with Zelensky later the same day, discussing Ukraine's urgent air defense needs amid the escalating Russian attacks. Trump expressed a willingness to support Ukraine with air defense systems and agreed to discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian teams on weapons supplies. Zelensky emphasised the importance of cooperation to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses and called for a noble agreement to restore peace.
The assault resulted in 24 injuries and damage to infrastructure in Kyiv alone, with 12 people requiring hospital treatment. The attack also caused damage to residential buildings, educational and medical facilities, transport infrastructure, and several cars. The Polish Embassy's consulate building in Kyiv was damaged during the attack, but the staff remained unharmed.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha demanded "harshest sanctions" from the West against Russia and the delivery of necessary defense means. The Foreign Office condemned the Russian attacks and called for more defense aid for Ukraine.
President Zelensky described the attacks as "cynical" and called on the West to help strengthen Ukraine's air defense. This latest incident underscores the ongoing intensity of the conflict and Ukraine's urgent need for enhanced defensive support.
Other world leaders and media outlets, such as the general-news and crime-and-justice sectors, are closely monitoring the escalating Russia-Ukraine conflict, with growing concern over Putin's steadfastness in war objectives and the urgent need for peace. With the increasing number of aerial assaults like the recent one in Kyiv, Ukraine is crying out for other nations to offer assistance in terms of air defense systems and strategies to counteract the ongoing crime-and-justice violations.
