Ukraine Endures Record Russian Air Attack Amid Trump’s Policy Reversals and Putin Criticism

Ukraine has been hit by what President Volodymyr Zelensky describes as the largest aerial assault from Russia to date, with 728 drones and 13 cruise or ballistic missiles striking cities across the country in multiple waves overnight. The unprecedented attack comes as President Donald Trump surprised many by criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin and reversing a recent suspension of military aid to Kyiv.

The overnight strike followed Trump’s announcement that the U.S. would send more weapons to Ukraine, a reversal of a suspension last week reportedly authorized by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Under-Secretary of Defence for Policy Elbridge Colby, a decision Trump claimed he was unaware of. Trump expressed strong disapproval of Putin, stating, “He wants to go all the way, just keep killing people, it’s no good.” This criticism emerged even as his administration had initially halted military assistance.

Kyiv is now reportedly set to receive 10 Patriot missiles, crucial interceptors for countering Russia’s intensifying missile and drone attacks. Meanwhile, President Zelensky condemned the “telling attack,” noting it occurred despite ongoing efforts for peace and a ceasefire, which Russia continues to rebuff. Zelensky is currently in Rome for the Ukraine Recovery Conference, where he met with Pope Leo and is scheduled to meet US envoy Keith Kellogg.

In related developments, Trump indicated he is considering a sanctions bill by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, which proposes 500% tariffs on countries trading with Russia. This comes despite his previous reluctance to impose sanctions, citing their cost. On the ground, Russia’s summer offensive continues in eastern Ukraine, while a Ukrainian drone attack on Russia’s Kursk border region reportedly killed three people and injured seven.

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