Part 4/15:
Notably, the call sparked divided reactions: while some Western allies, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, welcomed dialogue with Russia as a necessary step toward peace, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky branded it a “Pandora’s box” that could embolden Putin by reducing his international isolation. Tensions escalated after the call, as Russia launched a massive missile and drone barrage on Ukraine, targeting energy infrastructure and killing at least five civilians in Kyiv, with roughly 120 missiles and 90 drones assaulting the country.