Russia Conducts Largest Aerial Attack on Ukraine as Trump Holds Talks with Zelenskyy and Putin

Russia Conducts Largest Aerial Attack on Ukraine as Trump Holds Talks with Zelenskyy and Putin

Russian missiles and drones struck Kyiv in an overnight attack, reported as the largest aerial assault on the Ukrainian capital since the conflict began over three years ago.

The attack occurred shortly after President Trump held an hour-long phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump stated that the conversation did not result in progress towards ending the conflict. Following the bombardment, Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who described the call as important and useful.

Air raid sirens sounded across Kyiv for eight hours into Friday morning, and many residents sought shelter in underground metro stations during the attack. At least one person was reported killed and more than 20 people were injured in several districts of Kyiv.

Officials in Kyiv reported that apartment blocks, schools, warehouses, and railroad infrastructure were damaged by approximately 550 drones and 11 missiles that struck the capital.

Russia's defense ministry stated that the aerial strikes were conducted in response to what it described as "terrorist acts of the Kyiv regime." Russia has increased its bombing campaign against Ukraine in recent weeks as ceasefire talks between the two countries have not progressed.

Zelenskyy stated in a social media post that the attack demonstrated Russia's ongoing military actions. He called for increased pressure on Russia and additional air defense equipment. Earlier in the week, the Trump administration paused shipments of certain weapons to Ukraine, including missiles, ammunition, and air defense systems. Kyiv indicated that this pause could affect Ukraine's ability to respond to Russian airstrikes and advances.

In a Telegram post regarding his call with Trump, Zelenskyy said they discussed Russian airstrikes and the need to enhance Ukraine's air defense capabilities. He noted that the American president was well-informed about Ukraine and that they agreed to work on increasing the protection of Ukraine's airspace.

Zelenskyy also stated that he and Trump agreed on a meeting between their teams. He mentioned readiness for direct projects with the United States, particularly concerning drones and related technologies.

The phone call between Trump and Zelenskyy took place one day after Trump spoke with Putin about the conflict in Ukraine. Trump expressed disappointment with the conversation, stating that no progress was made.

The Kremlin's foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov, said that Putin informed Trump that Russia would continue its efforts in Ukraine until its objectives are achieved and that the conflict would persist until Moscow addresses what it considers the root causes. Ushakov did not specify Russia's objectives, but in previous statements, the Russian leader has indicated a desire for Ukraine to forfeit territory and refrain from joining military alliances such as NATO.