Ukraine Hit by Record Russian Airstrike as Trump Slams Putin Over Ceasefire Stalemate
Ukraine endured its most intense aerial assault since the war began, just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin and vowed to resume military support for Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that 728 drones and 13 cruise or ballistic missiles struck cities across the country overnight. The barrage targeted key urban centers, including the capital Kyiv, and reached as far west as Lutsk just 56 miles from the Polish border.
“This was a deliberate message,” Zelensky said in a Tuesday statement. “It comes exactly when efforts are intensifying to push for peace and a ceasefire. Yet Russia continues to reject every one of them.”
The attack followed Trump’s announcement to restart weapons deliveries to Ukraine, reversing a brief freeze reportedly ordered without his direct knowledge. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump made pointed remarks about the Russian leader’s reliability.
“We get a lot of nonsense thrown at us by Putin,” Trump said. “He’s always pleasant on the phone, but in the end, it doesn’t mean anything.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded by downplaying Trump’s words. “We’re quite calm about this. His language tends to be blunt,” Peskov said in remarks quoted by Russian media.
Despite repeated phone conversations between the two presidents, there has been no progress toward a ceasefire. Trump had previously claimed he could end the war “in a day,” but his recent frustration signals growing concern about the deepening crisis.
Last week, Trump revealed after another call with Putin, “He wants to go all the way, just keep killing people. It’s no good.”
The sudden aid suspension, which media reports attribute to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and policy adviser Elbridge Colby, caused confusion in Washington. When asked who authorized the pause, Trump sitting beside Hegseth said, “I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me?”
Trump has since ordered the resumption of aid. According to Axios, 10 Patriot missile systems may soon be transferred to Ukraine, a move seen as critical as Russian attacks grow in scale and frequency.
Russia’s latest strike hit not just Kyiv and eastern front-line cities, but also western hubs like Lviv, Rivne, and Lutsk areas vital for transporting humanitarian and military supplies. Firefighters battled widespread blazes in the aftermath of the explosions.
Two rounds of ceasefire talks between Kyiv and Moscow were held earlier this year, but neither side appears optimistic. No further meetings have been announced.
While Ukraine pleads for diplomatic solutions, Russia continues to press its offensive in the eastern Donbas region. “We are moving forward,” Peskov declared Wednesday. “Each new day, Ukrainians must accept the new reality.”
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Since then, repeated efforts at peace have collapsed, and both sides remain entrenched in a war with no clear end in sight.
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