Ukraine Experiences Significant Attack Following US Policy Shift

Ukraine Experiences Significant Attack Following US Policy Shift

On Tuesday, the US president expressed concerns regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The overnight strike occurred after President Donald Trump announced that the US would resume sending weapons to Kyiv, reversing a previous suspension. US media reported that Trump had not been aware of the earlier suspension.

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine experienced its largest aerial attack from Russia to date, with 728 drones and 13 cruise or ballistic missiles striking cities across the country in multiple waves.

Zelensky commented on the timing of the attack, noting ongoing efforts to achieve peace and establish a ceasefire, while stating that Russia had not engaged with these efforts.

Trump told reporters that interactions with Putin had not resulted in meaningful outcomes.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov responded that Moscow remained calm regarding Trump's statements and described Trump's communication style as generally direct.

The two leaders have maintained regular contact, but this has not led to progress toward a ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump had previously stated he could achieve a ceasefire quickly.

Last week, after a phone call with the Russian president, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the situation.

Trump described Putin's approach as unwilling to pursue a resolution.

The criticism coincided with the Trump administration's announcement of a suspension of military aid to Ukraine, reportedly authorized by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Under-Secretary of Defence for Policy Elbridge Colby.

When asked by reporters about the decision, Trump, seated next to Hegseth, indicated uncertainty about who had made the decision.

The reversal of the suspension may result in the delivery of 10 Patriot missiles to Ukraine, according to US outlet Axios.

Kyiv relies on these interceptors to counter missile and drone attacks, which have increased in frequency and intensity.

Although eastern Ukraine and Kyiv are frequently targeted, other regions have also experienced strikes.

The city of Lutsk, located 90km (56 miles) from the Polish border and serving as a transit hub for military and humanitarian aid, was heavily affected by Tuesday's attack.

Explosions were also reported in the western cities of Lviv and Rivne.

Two rounds of ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine occurred earlier this year, but no further meetings are scheduled. Both Moscow and Kyiv have expressed limited optimism regarding diplomatic solutions to the conflict, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Meanwhile, Russia's summer offensive in eastern Ukraine continues.

Peskov stated on Wednesday that Russian forces are advancing and that the situation on the ground is changing daily.