Hours After Trump–Putin Call, Russia Launches Largest Drone Attack of the War on Ukraine
In a dramatic escalation of the war in Ukraine, Russia launched its largest aerial drone strike to date, just hours after a phone conversation between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The nighttime assault targeted Kyiv and several surrounding regions, sending hundreds of drones into Ukrainian airspace and triggering a new wave of international concern.
🚁 Unprecedented Drone Barrage Hits Ukrainian Capital
The Ukrainian military reported that Russia deployed over 539 drones and 11 missiles during the overnight attack — the largest single-day aerial assault of the entire war. Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted 211 drones and 38 missiles, but 72 drones breached the defenses, striking infrastructure and civilian areas.
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Casualties: At least one person killed and 23 injured.
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Damage: Blasts damaged apartment blocks, metro infrastructure, and the Polish consulate in Kyiv.
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Emergency shelters: Thousands of residents spent the night in subway stations to avoid incoming drone fire.
Eyewitness Maria Hilchenko described the terrifying moment:
“We heard the buzzing of Shahed drones, then the windows shook with explosions.”
☎️ Trump–Putin Call Raises Questions
The massive drone strike came shortly after Donald Trump held a phone call with Vladimir Putin, where Trump reportedly pressed Putin on peace efforts and condemned the ongoing violence.
In a statement to reporters, Trump said:
“Putin just wants to keep killing people… He doesn’t want to stop. That much is clear.”
Shortly afterward, Trump also called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reaffirming U.S. support and stating:
“Ukraine is getting hit hard. We need to get them more Patriot systems immediately.”
🧭 Strategic and Diplomatic Fallout
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The attack is widely viewed as a calculated show of force following the failed diplomatic exchange.
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President Zelenskyy described the assault as “deliberate, massive, and cynical,” calling for urgent reinforcements of air defenses and more joint military production with NATO partners.
Analysts suggest the timing of the strike — so close to the Trump–Putin call — sends a pointed message about Russia’s resolve and readiness to escalate if pressured diplomatically.
📉 Broader Implications
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U.S. Defense Policy: Some experts warn the attack may pressure the Trump administration to accelerate military aid to Ukraine, particularly air defense systems like Patriot missiles.
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Global Security Concerns: The scale of the assault has raised fears of a renewed summer offensive, especially as drone warfare plays an increasing role on both sides.
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Ukraine’s Capacity: Despite successful interceptions, the sheer volume of drones overwhelmed Ukraine’s air defenses, exposing vulnerabilities in its current protection grid.
📌 Conclusion
Russia’s record-breaking drone strike on Ukraine, timed just after a call with President Trump, has shaken Kyiv and reignited global concerns about the war’s trajectory. As Ukraine pleads for more air defense resources and diplomacy falters, the world watches closely to see whether this signals a broader escalation—or the beginning of a dangerous new phase in the conflict.
