During a recent visit to the U.K., President Donald Trump expressed strong disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s continued long-range attacks on Ukraine. Trump announced he would significantly shorten the 50-day ceasefire deadline previously given to Putin, reducing it to approximately 10 to 12 days. He stated, “I think I already know the answer what’s going to happen,” indicating little hope for a peaceful resolution.
Trump’s remarks followed a substantial Russian drone and missile attack on Ukraine. In response, Polish and allied NATO aircraft were scrambled, and ground-based air defense systems were on high alert for about three hours. A Russian drone also reportedly crossed into Lithuania from Belarusian airspace.
The Ukrainian air force reported that Russia launched 324 drones and seven missiles, with 309 drones and two missiles successfully intercepted. Still, 15 strike drones and two missiles hit their targets, injuring at least eight people in Kyiv after a drone struck a residential high-rise.
Andriy Yermak, head of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office, cited the attacks as proof of Putin’s disinterest in a ceasefire. He emphasized the necessity of sanctions, bolstering Ukraine’s long-range capabilities, and firm action against Putin’s inner circle. Yermak also noted that Russian actions, like drones entering Baltic airspace, are testing NATO’s response. Zelenskyy, in turn, highlighted efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense and secure funding for drone production.
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