In response to Trump's reprimand, Ukraine and Russia exchange drone assaults.
Russia and Ukraine continued cross-border attacks on Sunday night, with both nations employing large-scale drone operations. The escalation comes amid President Donald Trump's criticism of leaders Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, signaling Trump's frustration at the ongoing three-year conflict.
Ukrainian authorities reported air defenses engaging targets across the country, including in Kyiv, where buildings sustained damage. Ukraine's air force stated that Russia launched a total of 364 air attack vehicles, including nine cruise missiles and 355 drones, in the latest bombardment. According to the air force, all missiles and 288 drones were either shot down or neutralized in flight.Impacts were reported in five regions, and falling debris was recorded in ten regions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared on Telegram that Russian forces used the "largest number of drones" against Ukrainian cities since the onset of the full-scale war. He called on the United States, Europe, and nations that value life to "bring Russia to justice" and end the attacks for a chance at real peace.
Russia's Defense Ministry claimed its forces downed 128 Ukrainian drones over 12 regions overnight. Additionally, Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Counter-Disinformation Center, disclosed that "unknown drones" attacked the city of Yelabuga in Russia's Tatarstan Republic, targeting a facility producing Iranian-designed Shahed strike drones. Other drones attacked a chemical enterprise in the Ivanovo region, producing components for Russian equipment and weapons.
Near-nightly cross-border strikes have increasingly marked Russia's war on Ukraine, with the bombardments growing in size over the past few months. The most recent attack, which occurred on Saturday night into Sunday, was described as the largest aerial attack of the war, resulting in at least 18 civilian fatalities.
Following the attack, Trump rebuked Putin while speaking with reporters and later on social media. Trump admitted his dissatisfaction with Putin's actions, citing the indiscriminate killing of civilians in cities. Trump reiterated his affinity for Putin but questioned the Russian leader's recent actions, suggesting a change in Putin's behavior that made him appear "crazy." Trump also criticized Zelenskyy, whom he has previously framed as an obstacle to a US-brokered peace deal.
Russian officials responded by expressing gratitude to Trump for his involvement in organizing peace negotiations. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the Kremlin was closely monitoring any emotional outbursts or reactions related to the peace process. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy and his officials contend that Russia's continued massed strikes demonstrate Moscow's lack of sincerity in its public peace appeals.
Ukrainian leaders have urged Trump to impose new, stringent sanctions on Russia to encourage the Kremlin to modify its maximalist war objectives, which include annexing large swathes of Ukrainian territory, de-militarizing Ukraine, and preventing Ukraine's accession to NATO. Despite Trump's threats of new sanctions, Ukrainian requests remain unfulfilled, with Kyiv now pushing for a 30-day ceasefire during which negotiations could take place. Russia has so far refused the proposal.
Following the latest round of Russian strikes, Andriy Yermak, head of Zelenskyy's presidential office, called for a swift ceasefire. Zelenskyy also renewed his call for sanctions, stating that increased sanctions should be implemented in response to Russia's disregard for diplomacy and refusal to consider a ceasefire. He expressed gratitude to those pushing for stronger international action against Russia.
- Acknowledging the ongoing attacks in war-and-conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called upon the international community, particularly the United States, Europe, and nations valuing life, to bring Russia to justice and end the hostilities for a chance at real peace.
- As the latest round of Russian strikes was brought into focus, Ukrainian leaders urged international politics to impose new, stringent sanctions on Russia to encourage the Kremlin to modify its maximalist war objectives and sincerely participate in peace negotiations.
