Part 5/12:
Meanwhile, President Trump expressed clear frustration after a tense phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, warning that new sanctions might soon be enacted, as Russia refuses to scale back its military efforts in Ukraine. Hours after the call, Russia launched its most intense drone and missile assault of the war, striking Kyiv with a barrage of 550 drones and 11 missiles over seven hours, injuring at least 23 civilians.
Despite Ukrainian efforts to intercept and shoot down most of these projectiles, the attacks damaged over 30 targets, including critical infrastructure in Kyiv and eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian President Zelensky described the bombardments as “cynical,” suggesting they were deliberately timed to undermine negotiations, which remain stalled.