Tensions in the Russia-Ukraine conflict have reached a critical point, with a dramatic escalation in hostilities following a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump. Just hours after their conversation, Russia unleashed a massive aerial assault on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, late Thursday night, triggering widespread destruction and panic across the city.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia launched nearly 540 drones and 11 ballistic missiles in an attempt to inflict maximum damage on the capital. Air raid sirens blared across Kyiv throughout the night as explosions echoed across the skyline. The Ukrainian military confirmed that more than 450 drones were successfully intercepted and destroyed, but not before damage was done.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that at least 23 people have been injured so far. Fires broke out in six residential districts, and missile strikes damaged multiple buildings, vehicles, and the city’s central railway station, severely affecting train operations. “Kyiv and its citizens were the main target,” Klitschko wrote on social media.
Devastation Across Ukraine
The scale of the attack was not limited to the capital. Missile strikes were reported at eight locations across Ukraine, with nine additional missiles launched in the broader offensive. In the eastern Donetsk region, Russia’s artillery shelling in the city of Pokrovsk killed five civilians on Thursday night.
Local video footage from Kyiv showed firefighters battling blazes in apartment complexes and cars, as residents scrambled for safety. Social media platforms were flooded with videos of citizens taking cover amid the chaos.
Putin-Trump Call Fuels Global Uncertainty
The overnight escalation followed a high-stakes phone call between Putin and Trump, in which the Russian president reportedly stated that while Russia is prepared to achieve its objectives in Ukraine by all means necessary, he remains open to a ceasefire agreement. The remarks, first reported by Reuters, appear to have done little to de-escalate tensions.
Instead, U.S. frustration with Russia is reportedly growing, while Kyiv finds itself increasingly desperate for international support. Despite the rising threat, there has been no significant influx of Western military aid, contributing to a growing sense of anxiety and vulnerability within Ukraine’s leadership and citizenry.
Zelensky to Seek Urgent Aid from Trump
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to hold a conversation with Donald Trump on Monday, where he is expected to make a fresh appeal for weapons and defense systems. Ukrainian officials are concerned that without urgent military support, their capacity to defend against continued Russian aggression will be severely compromised.
As the crisis deepens, both the human toll and geopolitical stakes continue to rise. With major infrastructure crippled and civilian areas increasingly under threat, Ukraine’s leadership warns of an intensifying humanitarian crisis if international aid is not rapidly increased.