Tensions in the Russia-Ukraine war escalated sharply after Russia launched one of its largest aerial attacks to date, just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The barrage, which included 364 aerial strike vehicles 355 drones and 9 cruise missiles targeted multiple Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv. Ukraine’s air force reported that all the missiles and 288 drones were intercepted, though impacts and debris caused damage in at least 10 regions.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called the strike “the largest drone attack since the beginning of the full-scale war” and renewed calls for stronger sanctions against Moscow. “Only through force… can we achieve a complete cessation of these attacks,” he said, urging Western nations to tighten economic pressure on Russia.
Meanwhile, cross-border attacks continue. Ukraine reportedly struck a drone manufacturing facility deep inside Russia and a chemical plant that produces components for missiles, indicating the war is expanding far beyond the front lines.
In response to Russia’s escalation, Trump known for his historically cordial tone toward Putin — declared, “I don’t know what the hell happened to Putin. He’s crazy,” and warned that the Kremlin’s desire to take “all of Ukraine” could lead to Russia’s downfall. Trump also criticized Zelenskyy, accusing him of inflaming tensions and complicating peace efforts.
The Kremlin responded diplomatically, thanking Trump for helping launch past peace talks, but noted it is “closely monitoring” emotional reactions connected to negotiations.
With no ceasefire in sight, Ukraine continues to push for a 30-day halt to hostilities to allow for peace discussions. Russia has rejected the proposal so far, as missile attacks and retaliatory strikes persist across the region.