Russia and Ukraine Carry Out Attacks After Putin-Trump Call
You've likely seen the headlines about Putin and Trump's recent telephone conversation to discuss peace, but actions speak considerably louder than words in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Shortly following their dialogue, Russia unleashed a substantial assault on Ukraine utilising missiles and drones, resulting in civilian casualties and considerable damage to critical infrastructure, whilst Ukraine continues to implement its own defensive countermeasures against Russian forces. This glaring disparity between diplomatic peace discussions and the escalating violence on the ground raises significant questions regarding the genuine intentions and strategic manoeuvres occurring beyond public scrutiny.
According to Reuters: "Russia launched one of its biggest missile and drone strikes on Ukraine this year, killing at least 31 people and wounding more than 120 others across the country on Friday, Ukrainian officials said."
According to The Associated Press: "The assault — which included more than 150 missiles and drones aimed at cities across Ukraine — came as fighting appeared to be intensifying along the roughly 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line."
Russia and Ukraine Attacks
As Russia launched a massive air assault involving six missiles and over 140 drones against Ukraine, the conflict has escalated to new heights despite recent discussions of limited ceasefires. This attack emerged shortly after Putin and Trump discussed potential peace measures, raising questions about Russia's genuine commitment to de-escalation.
Ukraine's defence systems worked tirelessly overnight, successfully intercepting 72 of the 145 drones targeting various regions including Kyiv, Sumy, and Odesa. Tragically, the attacks resulted in casualties. A 29-year-old man perished when a residential building was struck, and several others sustained injuries when hospitals came under fire.
Ukrainian defenders intercepted half the Russian drones, but civilian targets still suffered deadly strikes across multiple regions.
The weapons deployed included Iranian-designed Shahed drones, which have become commonplace in this conflict. These unmanned aircraft possess the capability to travel considerable distances whilst carrying explosive payloads.
On the ground, Russian forces have made territorial advances near the Sumy-Belgorod border and in western Zaporizhia Oblast. Concurrently, Ukrainian forces have utilised HIMARS systems to target Russian repair facilities in Kursk Oblast.
The timing of these attacks is particularly significant. They occurred despite Putin and Trump recently agreeing to halt strikes on energy infrastructure. Nevertheless, they failed to reach a broader ceasefire agreement, with Russia opposing Ukraine's proposal for a complete 30-day pause in hostilities.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: "Russian terror continues unabated, deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure while the international community discusses peace initiatives. This demonstrates the fundamental disconnect between Moscow's words and actions."
While residential areas and hospitals suffered damage, transportation systems remained operational despite being targeted. The improving weather conditions in the region have also facilitated military movements for both sides.
According to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg: "These indiscriminate attacks on Ukrainian cities demonstrate Russia's disregard for civilian lives and international humanitarian law. The Alliance remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine's right to self-defence."
As international leaders observe these developments, they express mounting concern regarding whether meaningful peace talks can progress whilst such attacks persist. In Sumy region, two hospitals were damaged while medical staff and nearly 200 patients were present during the strikes.
