Kyiv hit by barrage of drone strikes as Putin rejects Trump's truce bid

 

Kyiv endured one of the most intense air attacks since the war began, just hours after a call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump. According to Ukrainian authorities, Russia launched a record-breaking 550 drones and 11 missiles overnight, hitting nearly every district of the capital. Of those, 72 drones breached air defense systems, setting a new grim milestone. The attacks caused widespread damage across Kyiv. Fires broke out in residential areas, railway infrastructure was hit, buildings and cars were destroyed, and at least 23 people were injured. A woman in Russia was also killed by a Ukrainian drone strike near the border, according to officials in the southern Rostov region. Ukraine’s foreign minister condemned the overnight attack, describing it as one of the worst yet in Kyiv. He said it was no coincidence that it came immediately after Putin’s phone call with Trump. Andrii Sybiha, writing on X, said Putin’s actions showed clear disregard for peace efforts and messages from global leaders, including Trump. Footage from Ukraine’s emergency services showed firefighters battling large blazes across the capital. Air raid alerts lasted more than eight hours through the night. The air force confirmed Kyiv was the main target in a wave of attacks that came amid stalled ceasefire talks and rising international frustration with Russia’s position. Putin has previously claimed the whole of Ukraine “belongs” to Russia, and the Kremlin has reiterated its goal to eliminate what it calls the root causes of the conflict. Ukraine and its allies say this is a cover for continued aggression and an attempt to restore Russian dominance over its neighbor. The war, now in its third year, shows no signs of slowing.

US President Donald Trump expressed strong disappointment after a phone call with Vladimir Putin, during which the Russian leader showed no willingness to end the war in Ukraine. Speaking to reporters, Trump said he was “very disappointed” with the outcome of the conversation. “I don’t think he’s looking to stop,” he said, adding that this was unfortunate given the worsening situation on the ground. The call came as pressure mounts on both Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine has been increasingly targeted by larger and more aggressive Russian air strikes, while Moscow has faced growing calls for peace. Despite Trump’s outreach, the Kremlin maintained its stance that it is addressing the “root causes” of the conflict a reference to Russia’s goal of reasserting control over Ukraine and removing Western influence. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he hoped to speak with Trump about the future of US military aid to Ukraine. This comes after Washington paused shipments of some critical weapons, a decision that Kyiv fears could severely weaken its ability to defend against escalating Russian attacks. Trump insisted that weapons were still being sent to Ukraine but blamed President Joe Biden for diminishing the US’s own defense stockpiles. “We’re giving weapons, but we also have to make sure we have enough for ourselves,” he said. The exchange of statements comes at a critical time. Russia has intensified attacks not just on military targets but also on civilian infrastructure, aiming to wear down Ukrainian resistance. Kyiv sees continued Western support especially US arms as vital to survival. Trump’s attempt to personally intervene appears to have failed for now, with Putin continuing his aggressive military campaign and rejecting the idea of an immediate ceasefire or peace talks.

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