Russia Escalates Assault on Kyiv Following Trump-Putin Conversation
In the aftermath of a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russia intensified its military campaign against Ukraine by launching a significant missile and drone attack on Kyiv. Ukrainian officials have confirmed that this strike resulted in the deaths of at least four people and injured 20 others.
Details of the Attack
The attacks occurred overnight between Thursday and Friday, targeting Kyiv as well as other Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian authorities reported damage to civilian areas, including a strike on a 16-storey apartment building in Kyiv. Fires broke out in the Holosiivskyi and Darnytskyi districts of the capital following the bombardment.
In addition to drones, two Russian long-range bombers and a Kalibr cruise missile launched from the Black Sea fleet were involved in the assault. Analysts noted the use of an unusually low number of aircraft, attributing it to the effectiveness of Ukraine’s recent drone operations which have diminished Russian bomber capabilities.
Context of Recent Ukrainian Drone Operations
Earlier in the week, Ukraine initiated Operation Spider Web — a drone offensive targeting military assets across Russia. This campaign deployed 117 drones, reportedly destroying nearly one-third of Russia’s long-range nuclear-capable bombers and surveillance aircraft. Following these operations, Putin indicated during his call with Trump that Russia would respond "very strongly." The recent missile and drone strikes appear to be aligned with this warning.
Additional Impact and Regional Strikes
Beyond Kyiv, missile and drone strikes affected the city of Lutsk near Ukraine’s border with Poland, resulting in 12 injuries. Ukrainian officials emphasize that many of the targeted locations were civilian areas, raising concerns about the humanitarian impact of these attacks.
Ongoing Conflict and Diplomacy
Despite ongoing direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in Turkey, no ceasefire agreement has been reached. Russia has rejected multiple US-endorsed ceasefire proposals, while Ukraine has accepted them. Meanwhile, diplomatic pressure is mounting from the US administration, with President Trump considering imposing sanctions on both Russia and Ukraine in a bid to halt the conflict, a move that has raised questions given Ukraine’s defensive stance.
Summary of Key Points
- Fatalities: At least 4 people killed and 20 injured in Kyiv.
- Attack Composition: Missiles, drones, two long-range bombers, and a cruise missile involved.
- Recent Ukrainian Action: Operation Spider Web damaged a significant portion of Russian bomber fleet.
- Additional Strikes: Lutsk city also attacked, injuring 12.
- Diplomatic Status: Ceasefire talks ongoing but no resolution yet; tension persists.
This escalation highlights the ongoing volatility in the Ukraine conflict and the complex interplay between military actions and international diplomacy.
