### Ukraine Faces Unprecedented Drone Assault Following Trump's Critique of Putin

#### In the aftermath of a severe missile and drone attack, Ukraine's President Zelensky condemns Russia's aggressive actions while the US adjusts its military support stance.

Ukraine has experienced one of its most significant attacks yet, with President Volodymyr Zelensky reporting that a combined onslaught of 728 drones and 13 cruise or ballistic missiles struck various cities overnight. This massive assault is described by Zelensky as a "telling attack", occurring amidst ongoing peace efforts that Russia has continually rebuffed.

The timing of the attack coincided with statements made by former US President Donald Trump, who announced an increase in military support for Ukraine—a stark change from a recent decision to suspend such aid. Trump expressed deep frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating, "We get a lot of bullshit thrown at us by Putin, if you want to know the truth." His remarks suggest a growing impatience with Putin's diplomatic overtures that ultimately lead nowhere.

In response, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed a calm demeanor regarding Trump's comments, attributing the language to the former president's typical rhetoric. Despite their communication, the two leaders have yet to produce substantial outcomes towards achieving a ceasefire in Ukraine, despite Trump's earlier claims that he could negotiate peace swiftly.

Following a phone call with Putin, Trump voiced his dissatisfaction, expressing concerns that the Russian leader's continued aggression results in unnecessary death and destruction. Notably, the Trump administration had just recently announced a halt to military shipments to Ukraine, authorized by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Under-Secretary Elbridge Colby. However, it now appears that the Pentagon may resume sending crucial aid, including 10 Patriot missiles projected for delivery to aid Ukraine’s defense against Russian assaults.

The night's bombardment hit various cities across Ukraine, with Lutsk—the military and humanitarian aid corridor near the Polish border—suffering deeply from the violence. Other western locations, including Lviv and Rivne, also experienced the impacts of the ongoing conflict. Recent peace discussions earlier this year have not yielded further meetings, leaving both sides pessimistic about a diplomatic resolution to a war ignited by Russia's invasion in February 2022.

Despite these setbacks, Russia's offensive in eastern Ukraine continues relentless, with Peskov stating, "We are moving forward," reinforcing the idea that Ukraine must come to terms with new realities imposed by ongoing military actions.