Kyiv Endures Record Russian Drone Attack Hours After Trump-Putin Call Yields ‘No Progress’
Kyiv Endures Record Russian Drone Attack Hours After Trump-Putin Call Yields ‘No Progress’
Kyiv, Ukraine – Residents of the Ukrainian capital are grappling with the aftermath of an unprecedented Russian drone attack that saturated the city with smoke and explosives early Friday. The massive aerial assault, described by Ukrainian officials as one of the worst in the three-year conflict, struck multiple buildings and residential areas, claiming at least one life and wounding 23 others.
The relentless 13-hour barrage saw Ukraine intercepting 476 out of a record 539 Russian drones, alongside 11 cruise and ballistic missiles. The attack unfolded just hours after US President Donald Trump stated he had made “no progress” towards a ceasefire in a phone call with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the assault as “one of the most large-scale air attacks” the country has seen, noting its timing coincided with reports of the Trump-Putin discussion. “Yet again, Russia is showing it has no intention of ending the war and terror,” Zelensky asserted.
The extensive strikes sparked fires, partially destroyed multi-story buildings, damaged Kyiv’s railway, and crippled five ambulances. The Polish consulate was also hit, prompting Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski to urge the US to “restore supplies of anti-aircraft ammunition to Ukraine and impose tough new sanctions on the aggressor.”
Thousands of Kyiv residents sought refuge in shelters overnight as explosions and drone sounds echoed across the city. Many expressed frustration, linking the attack to Trump’s perceived leniency towards Russian aggression and the ongoing pause in some US weapons shipments to Ukraine, including crucial air defense missiles. The city’s air pollution levels remained high on Friday, with civilians advised to stay indoors.
While Trump acknowledged the decision to pause shipments was to protect US stockpiles, the move has fueled concerns in Ukraine, especially as intelligence suggests Russia could escalate drone attacks to over 1,000 per day. The shifting landscape of US aid under the current administration continues to cast a shadow over Kyiv’s defense capabilities.
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