Russia launched its largest aerial assault of the war, striking Ukraine with a staggering 550 drones and missiles just hours after US President Donald Trump blocked the supply of weapons and held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Explosions and fireballs lit up the Kyiv skyline overnight as Russian missiles rained down, destroying infrastructure and leaving at least 23 people injured. The timing of the attack has raised international alarm, coming soon after Trump’s remarks and decision to suspend US weapon shipments that had already been approved.
Trump-Putin Call Followed by Assault
The massive airstrike came shortly after Trump’s phone call with Putin. Although Trump claimed that “they didn’t make any progress” in resolving the conflict, Russia appeared to take a different message from the conversation.
Putin, emboldened by Trump’s stance, launched a barrage targeting both military and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. A Kremlin statement declared that “Russia will not back down” unless the “root causes” of the war are addressed — a euphemism for a list of sweeping and extreme demands.
These include Ukraine recognizing Russia’s annexation of occupied territories, the ousting of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, rewriting Ukraine’s constitution to restrict its military, banning NATO membership, and integrating Russian cultural influence — conditions that analysts say would effectively end Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Pattern of Undermining Ukraine
This escalation fits a pattern that has repeated for months. Trump has routinely criticized Ukraine and blocked aid packages already cleared by Congress. Each time he does so, Russia appears to ramp up its military operations.
Ukraine reported that the latest attack involved 539 drones and 11 ballistic missiles. Officials believe Moscow is taking full advantage of the halted US support to press its offensive further.
Earlier this year, Trump had also suspended intelligence and military assistance to Kyiv, which led to Russia reclaiming the Kursk region — a strategically significant area that Ukraine had seized and hoped to use as a bargaining chip in negotiations.
With no access to key US support systems, Ukraine lost that advantage.
Civilian Toll Mounts as Airstrikes Intensify
President Zelenskyy confirmed that 23 civilians were injured in the overnight attacks. The United Nations reported this month that Ukrainian civilian casualties in Russian strikes have surged by 50 percent in the first half of this year alone.
Russia has increasingly targeted densely populated areas and vital infrastructure, leading to a humanitarian crisis across several regions.
Trump Set to Speak with Zelenskyy
After speaking with Putin, Trump is expected to call Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on Friday. Observers fear that he may pressure Ukraine to accept Putin’s terms and seek an end to the war — regardless of the consequences for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Zelenskyy is likely to reiterate his plea for Patriot missile systems and the resumption of US military support. However, past interactions suggest Trump may again dismiss those requests. While he claims dissatisfaction with Putin, Trump has failed to back his rhetoric with meaningful actions.
He has imposed no new sanctions on Moscow and has shown reluctance to support Kyiv’s defense needs. Instead, Trump has publicly criticized Zelenskyy, calling him a “warmonger” for requesting defensive weapons.
A Dangerous Turn in the Conflict
The latest developments underscore the fragile nature of the US role in the war. Trump’s actions — from suspending aid to publicly undermining Ukraine — have emboldened Russia and significantly altered the battlefield dynamics.
As the world watches, Ukraine continues to defend its territory with dwindling support, while Russia gains ground amid shifting US policies.
Whether Trump’s expected call with Zelenskyy will alter the trajectory of the conflict remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that words without action have only served to strengthen Putin’s hand.