Trump reverses aid freeze, calls out Putin as Kyiv endures massive missile and drone barrage
Ukraine has suffered its largest aerial attack since the war began, with 728 drones and 13 missiles striking cities in an overnight assault, including Kyiv, Lviv, Rivne, and Lutsk. The strikes coincide with a shift in US foreign policy, as President Donald Trump publicly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin and pledged renewed military aid to Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelensky described the wave of strikes as a “telling attack” and emphasized the timing: “It comes precisely at a time when peace efforts are intensifying — yet only Russia continues to reject them.”
Trump slams Putin: “A lot of bullshit”
In a rare direct rebuke, Trump accused Putin of deceit, saying:
“We get a lot of bullshit thrown at us by Putin. He’s very nice to us, but it turns out to be meaningless.”
Although Trump previously suspended aid to Ukraine, reportedly without his knowledge, he has now reversed the decision. Reports suggest the US will send 10 Patriot missiles to bolster Ukraine’s air defences.
Trump’s frustration also surfaced when questioned about the suspension, sitting beside Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. “I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me?” he responded.
Sanctions and diplomatic standstill
Trump is now “looking at” a new sanctions bill by Sen. Lindsey Graham, which would impose 500% tariffs on nations trading with Russia. He previously stalled sanctions due to financial concerns but hinted they may be imminent following conversations with Putin.
“He wants to go all the way — just keep killing people. It’s no good,” Trump added last week.
Despite two failed ceasefire talks earlier this year, neither Kyiv nor Moscow appear hopeful about future diplomacy.
Lutsk hit hardest, Russia shrugs off Trump remarks
Western Ukraine also suffered heavily, with Lutsk, a key aid hub, taking the brunt. Explosions rocked several other cities, including Lviv and Rivne, while a Ukrainian drone strike on Russia’s Kursk region killed three people, including a child.
The Kremlin dismissed Trump’s remarks as typical:
“Trump’s way of talking is generally quite harsh,” said spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
Meanwhile, Zelensky is in Rome for the Ukraine Recovery Conference, meeting Pope Leo, US envoy Keith Kellogg, and German Chancellor Friederich Merz, who pledged to deliver air defence systems and declared that diplomacy had “run its course.”
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