Russia unleashed its biggest drone and missile assault on Ukraine overnight Friday, just hours after a high-stakes phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin ended without progress toward a ceasefire.
The assault, which included 539 drones and 11 missiles, injured 23 people and marked the largest aerial attack since the full-scale invasion began, according to Ukraine’s air force. Explosions and the sound of drones echoed through Kyiv as air defence systems scrambled to intercept the barrage.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced the strike, saying, “Yet again, Russia is showing it has no intention of ending the war and terror… Without truly large-scale pressure, Russia will not change its dumb, destructive behaviour.” He renewed calls on the United States to step up pressure on Moscow.
Fallout From Trump-Putin Call
President Trump confirmed the phone call with Putin ended without breakthrough, a sharp contrast to his earlier, more hopeful tone in previous conversations. This was his sixth call with the Russian leader since returning to office in January, but growing tensions have soured expectations.
Putin, for his part, reportedly reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to its war aims, dismissing international calls to end hostilities.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga reacted sharply, accusing Putin of displaying “complete disregard for the United States and everyone who has called for an end to the war.”
Intensifying Air War and Global Fallout
According to an AFP tally, Russian drone and missile strikes have surged throughout June, making it the most intense month of aerial warfare in the conflict. Friday’s attack is seen as a deliberate show of force following the stalled diplomatic efforts.
Residents of Kyiv sought safety in underground metro stations as sirens wailed through the capital. Meanwhile, fears grow in Ukraine over reduced US military aid, which is crucial to countering Russian aerial offensives. The US confirmed it is scaling back certain military deliveries, citing strategic and logistical reasons.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen responded to the development by urging Europe to “step up,” signaling concern that US wavering could weaken Ukraine’s defence.
Ukraine Responds with Cross-Border Strikes
Ukraine, in turn, stepped up its own drone campaign inside Russia. One Ukrainian drone reportedly crashed into a residential building in a Russian region, killing a woman, according to local authorities.
Despite calls for peace and multiple rounds of diplomacy, both sides appear to be doubling down. Friday’s massive strike underscores a critical escalation — one that could shape the next phase of the war amid growing uncertainty over foreign military support.
What you should know
Russia carried out its largest aerial assault on Ukraine to date, launching over 500 drones and missiles just hours after a failed Trump-Putin call.
With 23 people wounded and Ukrainian defences strained, the attack signals a major escalation in the war. US aid reductions and rising frustration in Kyiv underscore growing global pressure and uncertainty surrounding peace efforts.
