President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of launching a deliberately large and cynical attack on Ukraine, which he said occurred as U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin were conducting a phone conversation. The attack, which targeted Kyiv and several other areas, resulted in at least 23 injuries and caused widespread damage. Russian forces launched more than 550 aerial weapons, including over 330 Iranian-type Shahed drones and various missiles. Zelensky emphasized the urgent need for increased air defense support from international allies.
During the attack, which reportedly began almost simultaneously with the start of media discussions about Trump’s phone conversation with Putin, Kyiv’s residents and emergency crews were involved in firefighting efforts. Zelensky noted that the number of casualties and damage was significant, with fires occurring in multiple districts of the capital, including residential buildings, schools, medical facilities, and railway infrastructure. The local authorities described the night as ‘terroristic,’ and the air quality in Kyiv remained dangerous by the morning.
Zelensky also called upon Ukraine’s allies, particularly the United States, to exert substantial pressure on Russia for every attack on civilian lives, advocating for corresponding sanctions and economic measures to compel Russia to change its stance. However, the U.S. has decided to temporarily halt the shipment of critical air defense missiles, including Patriot missiles, to Kyiv, citing the need to secure its own stockpiles. This pause in aid has raised concerns among Ukrainian officials and its international partners about the potential ramifications on the country’s defense capabilities.
Additionally, Russian state media reported that during Trump’s call with Putin, Putin reiterated his commitment to the Kremlin’s goals in Ukraine, despite calls for a ceasefire from the international community. Zelensky has been vocal about the necessity of maintaining and expanding military aid from allies, emphasizing that the support for ballistic missile defense is crucial for protecting Ukraine’s population and infrastructure from further attacks.