United States President Donald Trump voiced strong disapproval on Friday of Russia’s intensifying military campaign in Ukraine, describing it as a continued effort to “keep killing people.”
His statement came shortly after Russian forces launched what has been described as the largest drone and missile barrage since the war began over three years ago.
During a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin that yielded no diplomatic breakthrough, Trump expressed deep frustration. “He wants to go all the way, just keep killing people, it’s no good,” Trump told reporters. He also hinted at the possibility of new punitive measures, noting that sanctions were a prominent topic in the call. “We talked about sanctions a lot,” Trump revealed. “He understands that it may be coming.”
As the call was underway, air raid sirens rang out across Ukraine. In Kyiv, journalists from AFP reported hearing the ominous hum of drones and thunderous explosions as air defense units sprang into action to intercept the onslaught. The Ukrainian military later confirmed that 539 drones and 11 missiles had been launched during the attack, making it the single largest offensive by Russia since the conflict began.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also spoke with President Trump the same day and said they discussed strengthening Ukraine’s defenses, particularly its air protection systems. “We spoke about opportunities in air defence and agreed that we will work together to strengthen protection of our skies,” Zelensky posted on social media.
Residents of Kyiv, familiar with the sound of air sirens, described this attack as unlike any other. “Nothing like this attack had ever happened before. There have never been so many explosions,” said Tymur, a local who has lived through numerous previous strikes. Emergency officials reported that 26 people were injured, and one person was rescued from rubble. In a separate strike in the eastern Dnipropetrovsk region, at least three people were wounded.
The Kremlin, while acknowledging that political and diplomatic resolutions were “preferable,” insisted that its “special operation” would persist in the absence of viable alternatives. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, “But as long as that is not possible, we are continuing the special operation.”
Russia’s Defense Ministry also claimed to have secured new gains in the Donetsk region by capturing a village, a move seen as further entrenching their position on the front lines. Meanwhile, Poland reported damage to its embassy building in Kyiv during the attack, though confirmed that staff remained unharmed.
The scale and intensity of overnight Russian attacks have notably increased in recent weeks. A recent AFP count found that June marked a record month in the volume of Russian drone and missile strikes. As peace negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow stall, fears mount over the longevity and sustainability of Ukraine’s defense capabilities—especially amid growing uncertainty over continued American support.
Trump’s remarks signaled a shift in tone. Previous communications between the US president and Putin often ended with optimistic notes. However, recent developments, including the escalating violence and a slowdown in US aid deliveries, have heightened tensions.
The US announced this week that it would reduce some military aid deliveries to Ukraine, prompting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to urge the EU to “step up” its support.
The pressure on Ukraine is mounting on multiple fronts. As residents in Kyiv continue to seek shelter in metro stations and makeshift bunkers, the psychological toll is as significant as the physical damage. “Will there be another one? Will something collapse on you?” asked Yuliia Golovnina, a 47-year-old resident who regularly seeks refuge underground during strikes. “In those seconds, you just hold your breath and wait to see what happens next.”
On the battlefield, Ukraine has continued its own countermeasures. Overnight, a Ukrainian drone struck a residential building in Russia’s Rostov region, killing one woman, according to the local governor.
Amid the worsening hostilities, diplomatic progress appears stalled. A prisoner swap agreed upon in previous negotiations—where both sides exchanged 1,000 captives—was one of the few signs of cooperation in recent weeks. Russia confirmed another prisoner exchange with Ukraine on Friday, but broader peace efforts remain elusive.
What you should know
The largest drone and missile attack by Russia since the war began underscores a dangerous escalation in the conflict.
President Trump, after a tense and unproductive call with Putin, warned of looming sanctions and voiced strong disapproval of the Kremlin’s continued aggression. As diplomatic efforts stall and US aid slows, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend itself amid growing uncertainty.
