Russia targeted Ukraine with a record 728 drones overnight, just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump pledged additional defensive weapons for Kyiv and issued unusually sharp criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted nearly all the drones, including through electronic jamming systems, according to the country’s air force.
The massive assault, part of a recent escalation in Russian air strikes, underscores the need for tougher sanctions on Moscow’s revenue sources, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said. Meanwhile, Trump signaled support for a Senate bill proposing severe economic penalties, including 500% tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil, gas, and uranium.
At a cabinet meeting, Trump accused Putin of deceit, stating, “We get a lot of bullshit thrown at us by Putin … He’s very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless.” When pressed on potential retaliatory measures, Trump remained cryptic, saying, “I wouldn’t tell you. We want to have a little surprise.”
The attack followed Trump’s reversal of a Pentagon decision to delay critical munitions deliveries to Ukraine, despite intensifying Russian strikes. Zelenskiy responded by ordering expanded coordination with Washington to secure air defense supplies.
Poland Activates Jets as Strikes Hit Near Border
The overnight barrage targeted multiple regions, including Lutsk, a northwestern city just 200 km (125 miles) from NATO-member Poland. Polish and allied aircraft were scrambled as a precaution, though no violations of Polish airspace were reported. Local officials confirmed damage to infrastructure in Lutsk, including a storage facility and parking structures, but reported no casualties.
Governor Ivan Rudnytskyi said 50 drones and five missiles entered the Volyn region’s airspace, marking the largest attack on Lutsk since the war began. Residents across Ukraine, including in Kyiv, spent the night in shelters as air raid sirens sounded.
Diplomatic Moves Amid Stalled Talks
While Trump has pushed for a negotiated end to the war, early discussions between Moscow and Kyiv have yielded little progress. Russia has yet to accept an unconditional ceasefire proposal backed by Ukraine. Meanwhile, Europe is preparing a new sanctions package against Moscow, and Trump’s envoy, Keith Kellogg, is set to attend an international aid conference in Rome this week.
The escalation highlights the ongoing volatility of the conflict, with Ukraine relying heavily on Western support to counter Russia’s relentless attacks.
