Trump invokes sanctions against Russia following the largest attack on Ukraine
In the early hours of Friday, 2nd July 2025, Russia launched its largest combined drone and missile assault on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv. The attack, which included approximately 550 drones (330 Shahed drones and 209 decoys) and 11 ballistic and cruise missiles, caused significant damage to apartment blocks, schools, warehouses, railroad infrastructure, and foreign diplomatic buildings, resulting in at least one death and over 20 injuries.
This massive aerial assault, the largest on Kyiv since the war began more than three years ago, occurred shortly after a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump reported that the conversation made no progress toward ending the conflict. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described his conversation with Trump as "very important and useful." Both leaders discussed expanding joint air defense cooperation, including the role of US Patriot missile systems and defense industrial collaboration related to drone technologies.
In retaliation to the drone and missile strikes, Ukraine reportedly hit the Borisoglebsk airfield in Russia's Voronezh region, targeting Russian military jets and equipment. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate, with Ukraine actively undermining Russia's ability to attack its civilian infrastructure.
Regarding potential sanctions, while no explicit new sanctions announcements were found in the latest reports, the intensity and scale of Russia’s strikes, alongside ongoing diplomatic efforts and discussions between Ukraine and its allies, strongly imply that such escalations typically lead to further sanctions and international condemnation. Prior drone attacks and escalations have led to increased sanctions on Russia in the past, so it is likely that Western nations are considering or preparing additional punitive measures in response to this major strike.
In response to the attack, Tymur, a Kyiv resident, stated that the attack in the early hours of Friday felt different from previous Russian attacks. The attack had never been like anything he had experienced before, with an unprecedented number of explosions. Ukrainian air defense systems were activated to fend off the attack.
Meanwhile, in Eastern Ukraine, at least three people were wounded in Russian drone and artillery strikes overnight from Friday to Saturday, according to regional governor Sergiy Lysak. Trump commented on his telephone call with Putin, stating that Putin wants to "keep killing people" and implying potential sanctions.
As the conflict continues, both sides remain determined to achieve their respective goals, with the Kremlin stating a preference for political and diplomatic means, and Ukraine working to strengthen its defenses and protect its skies. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with many nations expressing concern and offering support to Ukraine.
Politics and general news are abuzz with the latest escalation of war-and-conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, as the latter retaliates against Russia's drone and missile strikes on Kyiv. In response to potential sanctions, Western nations are likely considering or preparing additional punitive measures in light of the intensity and scale of Russia’s strikes.
