Russia launched a massive drone attack on Ukraine just hours after former President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone.
The assault involved more than 100 drones, according to Ukraine’s air force.
Drone Strikes Continue Despite Peace Talk Hopes
Ukraine reported it shot down 35 of the 108 drones and jammed 58 others. Damage was reported in four regions. Russia claimed it downed eight Ukrainian drones. The nightly cross-border attacks have become more intense and sophisticated over the course of the three-year war.
Trump Pushes for Ceasefire
After the two-hour call, Trump told reporters, “I think something’s going to happen. If I thought President Putin didn’t want this over with, I wouldn’t be talking about it.” He said that Russia and Ukraine would “immediately” resume peace negotiations.
Putin Unmoved on War Demands
Despite Trump’s optimism, Putin’s statement showed no change in stance. He insisted on addressing what he called the “root causes” of the war. Russia still demands Ukraine give up four occupied regions, Crimea, military independence, NATO ambitions, and undergo “denazification”—a baseless justification for the invasion.
Zelenskyy Backs Peace Talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also spoke to Trump, affirming Ukraine’s readiness for a full ceasefire. “This is a defining time,” he wrote. He urged global leaders to press Putin toward real peace, warning that delays should be met with tougher sanctions.
Pressure on the Kremlin
Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s peace offer must not be diluted. “If the Russians are not ready to stop the killings, there must be stronger sanctions,” he said, emphasizing the importance of U.S. involvement in the process. “Russia must end the war it started. Ukraine is always ready for peace.”
Stay tuned for more updates on the Russia-Ukraine war with us on Que Onda Magazine.