Russia Launches Record Drone Attack on Ukraine Hours After Trump Vows Renewed Aid
KYIV, UKRAINE – Just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed plans to restart American weapons aid to Ukraine, Russia unleashed its largest drone attack on the country to date.
Ukrainian air defenses managed to intercept 718 of the incoming drones, but the relentless assault resulted in the deaths of at least eight civilians in Rudinsk and Kostya. The primary target of the drone swarm appeared to be Lutsk, a city in western Ukraine, prompting Poland to scramble jets near its border due to airspace concerns.
In a swift counterattack, Ukraine launched 86 drones into Russian territory overnight.
Trump's Renewed Support
The escalation in hostilities followed a cabinet meeting where President Trump strongly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating, "he's killing too many people" and that his rhetoric was "meaningless."
Additionally, Trump is reportedly considering backing a sanctions bill that would impose steep tariffs on purchasers of Russian energy and exports.
Diplomatic Efforts Amidst Conflict
The massive Russian attack occurred as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was reportedly en route to Italy to meet with Trump's envoy, Keith Kellogg, ahead of a Ukraine recovery conference scheduled to begin on July 10 in Rome. Zelenskyy is also expected to meet with Pope Leo XIV for a second time, as well as other European leaders, in an effort to galvanize international support and increase pressure on Russia.
Kremlin's Response
In response to Trump's toughened stance, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia views the comments "quite calmly," acknowledging Trump's "tough style."
