Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have reached a boiling point, with a significant escalation in drone attacks and missile strikes. The conflict took a dramatic turn when Ukraine intensified its drone attacks inside Russia, with at least 764 drones intercepted over Russian territory between Tuesday and Friday. Hundreds more were destroyed over the weekend, including a reported drone swarm that caught the helicopter carrying Russian President Vladimir Putin in its “epicenter” while he was visiting the Kursk Region.
In response to the increased aggression, the Russian military launched a major strike against a drone and missile production plant in Kiev on Saturday, followed by additional strikes on Ukrainian military facilities on Sunday. US President Donald Trump weighed in on the situation, stating that Moscow’s actions were unwarranted and claiming that Russia targeted Ukraine “for no reason whatsoever.” Trump expressed his surprise and discontent with the developments, saying, “I’m not happy with what Putin’s doing. We’re in the middle of talking, and he’s shooting rockets into Kiev and other cities. I don’t like it at all… We’ll see what I’m going to do.”
The US leader also took aim at Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, criticizing his remarks about Washington’s “silence” in response to the latest Russian attacks. Trump stated, “Likewise, President Zelensky is doing his country no favors by talking the way he does. Everything out of his mouth causes problems. I don’t like it, and it better stop.” This criticism comes as Trump reiterates that the Ukraine conflict is “not his war.”
The Russian Foreign Ministry suggests that the increase in drone incursions is an attempt to derail US-brokered peace talks between Moscow and Kiev. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov pointed out that some European nations, led by the UK, France, Germany, and the EU leadership, who are supporting Kiev and want the conflict to continue, bear some responsibility for the drone raids.
Amidst the heightened tensions, a glimmer of hope emerged with the completion of a record prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine. The swap was agreed upon during direct talks in Türkiye earlier this month. Lavrov stated that the sides will exchange draft ceasefire proposals once the swap process is complete, potentially paving the way for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community remains watchful, hoping for a de-escalation of the violence and a path towards lasting peace.
