Russia launched its largest-ever drone and missile attack on Ukraine overnight Friday, just hours after a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin ended without any breakthrough. Ukrainian air force representatives described the assault as the most significant since the invasion began, involving 539 drones of various types and 11 missiles. The attack caused injuries to 23 people as Ukrainian air defenses worked to repel the barrage. In Kyiv, residents took shelter in metro stations amid the drone sounds and explosions, while security was heightened following a recent deadly stampede near the temple.
The escalation in Russian attacks comes amid concerns in Kyiv over the US reducing some military aid deliveries, which are crucial for Ukraine’s defense against continued drone and missile strikes. Despite ongoing peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow stalling, Ukraine has intensified its own drone strikes in Russia, with reports of civilian casualties. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga condemned Russia’s actions as blatant disregard for international calls to end the war. EU officials have urged increased support for Ukraine as the conflict shows no signs of abating.
Following the call, President Trump acknowledged no progress was made in ending the war, while the Kremlin reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing its war objectives. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Russia’s continued aggression, emphasizing that without substantial international pressure, Russia would persist in its destructive behavior. He called on the United States to intensify efforts to pressure Moscow to halt the conflict.
