In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia unleashed its heaviest volley of missile and drone strikes on Ukraine in the ongoing conflict, coinciding with a telephone conversation between President Trump and President Putin.
Russia Launches Major Air Assault on Ukraine Following Trump-Putin Discussion
Russia Launches Major Air Assault on Ukraine Following Trump-Putin Discussion
Large-scale missile and drone strikes hit Kyiv just after a high-profile call between the U.S. and Russian presidents.
The article text:
On July 4, 2025, Russia conducted one of the largest air assaults since the beginning of the war, targeting Kyiv and several other cities in Ukraine. This attack followed shortly after a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising questions about any possible link between their conversation and the timing of the missile barrage.
Ukrainian air force officials reported that the attack launched the highest number of drones and missiles yet seen in a single incident during the conflict. The capital city of Kyiv was enveloped in smoke from fires ignited during the assault, although officials indicated that the extent of the damage was minimal, with reports of damage scattered across five neighborhoods.
Over recent months, Russia has intensified its drone campaign, with nearly weekly attacks that utilize a combination of exploding drones, cruise and ballistic missiles, and decoys aimed at enhancing the effectiveness against Ukraine's air defenses.
Following the Trump-Putin call, President Trump made a statement to the press, noting, “I didn’t make any progress with him at all,” emphasizing the lack of advancement in negotiations. This marked the sixth phone conversation between the two leaders in this calendar year alone, occurring amidst increased aerial strikes.
This latest barrage came shortly after the Trump administration announced it would delay the delivery of certain weaponry, including air defense missiles, that the United States had pledged to supply to Ukraine's military in the upcoming weeks or months.
On July 4, 2025, Russia conducted one of the largest air assaults since the beginning of the war, targeting Kyiv and several other cities in Ukraine. This attack followed shortly after a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising questions about any possible link between their conversation and the timing of the missile barrage.
Ukrainian air force officials reported that the attack launched the highest number of drones and missiles yet seen in a single incident during the conflict. The capital city of Kyiv was enveloped in smoke from fires ignited during the assault, although officials indicated that the extent of the damage was minimal, with reports of damage scattered across five neighborhoods.
Over recent months, Russia has intensified its drone campaign, with nearly weekly attacks that utilize a combination of exploding drones, cruise and ballistic missiles, and decoys aimed at enhancing the effectiveness against Ukraine's air defenses.
Following the Trump-Putin call, President Trump made a statement to the press, noting, “I didn’t make any progress with him at all,” emphasizing the lack of advancement in negotiations. This marked the sixth phone conversation between the two leaders in this calendar year alone, occurring amidst increased aerial strikes.
This latest barrage came shortly after the Trump administration announced it would delay the delivery of certain weaponry, including air defense missiles, that the United States had pledged to supply to Ukraine's military in the upcoming weeks or months.
