Trump Impressed by Ukrainian Counterstrike on Russia?
Ukrainian assault captured Trump's admiration, sources reveal
In an informal chat, US President Donald Trump expressed his admiration for Ukraine's unexpected drone attacks on four Russian military bases, as revealed by a report by US outlet Axios. Trump deemed the action as "intense" and "pretty strong", hinting at his changing perception of Ukrainian President Zelensky having "no cards in hand".
Sources close to Trump stated that the Ukrainian operation left an impact, drawing comparisons between a small Chihuahua making a significant dent in a much larger dog. However, Trump is said to anticipate a firm response from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Following a conversation with Putin, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that Putin would need to react to the Ukrainian attacks. Yet, Trump has kept quiet about the matter in public, with his spokesperson avoiding comment. Reuters claims that up to 20 Russian combat aircraft may have been hit in the attacks, with around 10 allegedly being destroyed.
Surprise Actions in Ukraine's Defense
Trump's assertions about Zelensky lacked cards seem to be challenged by Ukraine's series of surprise actions in its defensive campaign. Notably, Ukraine has sunk the flagship of the Black Sea Fleet, the "Moskva," and targeted the Crimean Bridge.
In addition, Ukraine has reportedly inflicted heavy losses on Russian forces, destroying thousands of tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery systems. As per a recent analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the ratio has fluctuated between 5:1 and 2:1 in favor of Ukraine since January 2024.
CSIS also suggests that Russia is making slow progress with high personnel losses. Recent expert opinion suggests that despite Russia holding perceived 'all the cards' in the Ukraine war, the battlefield data obliquely suggests that the Russian military has underperformed.
A major drone operation called "Spiderweb" orchestrated by Ukraine has been making headlines. This operation targeted multiple Russian military bases, thousands of miles from the front lines, and even deep inside Russia and Siberia. This coordinated assault, which required months of preparation, reportedly hit around 40 Russian military planes, including nuclear-capable bombers intended for Ukrainian city strikes.
This attack has been described as a strategic and psychological blow to Russia, casting doubts on the global vulnerability of military assets due to the growing threat posed by inexpensive, mass-produced drones. Analysts emphasize that the operation highlights the potential weaknesses in air defense systems and hardened shelters, forcing everyone to rethink their approach to battlefield vulnerability. The attack took place just before Ukraine's delegation attended ceasefire talks in Istanbul and was preemptively disclosed to the Trump administration.
- Despite initial perceptions, the European Union, in light of Ukraine's unexpectedly effective defense strategies like the "Spiderweb" drone operation, is facing renewed questions about the true capability and resilience of Russian military forces.
- The European Union, in the wake of Ukraine's revealing defensive campaign, finds itself grappling with the implications of the growing threat posed by inexpensive, mass-produced drones, potentially forcing a reassessment of the vulnerabilities in military assets and air defense systems.
