Russia unleashed its largest aerial attack of the Ukraine war, launching 355 drones and nine cruise missiles overnight, according to Ukraine’s Air Force.
The barrage, the most extensive drone assault to date, struck five regions, including Khmelnytskyi, where a military airbase, homes, and industrial sites were hit.
In Odesa, a 14-year-old boy was injured, while Zhytomyr reported deaths, including children aged eight, 12, and 17, with at least 13 killed and over 60 wounded.
Ukraine’s emergency services described a night of “terror” as drones swarmed and anti-aircraft fire echoed.
U.S. President Donald Trump sharply criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin on Truth Social, stating, “Something has happened to him (Putin). He has gone absolutely CRAZY!”
He added, “I’ve always said that he wants ALL of Ukraine, not just a piece of it, and maybe that’s proving to be right, but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!”
Speaking to reporters in New Jersey, Trump elaborated: “I’m not happy with what Putin’s doing. He’s killing a lot of people. And I don’t know what the hell happened to Putin.
I’ve known him a long time, always gotten along with him, but he’s sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don’t like it at all.”
When pressed on further sanctions against Russia, Trump affirmed, “Absolutely.”
Tensions with Zelenskyy
Trump also lashed out at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, posting, “Everything out of his mouth causes problems, I don’t like it, and it better stop.”
Zelenskyy, in response, urged global action, stating, “Without truly strong pressure on the Russian leadership, this brutality cannot be stopped. The silence of America, the silence of others around the world only encourages Putin,” he stated, adding, “Sanctions will certainly help.”
Global Condemnation, Stalled Peace
The Kremlin dismissed Trump’s remarks, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov noting, “This is a very crucial moment, which is associated, of course, with the emotional overload of everyone absolutely and with emotional reactions.”
European leaders, including EU’s Kaja Kallas and Germany’s Johann Wadephul, condemned Russia’s attacks.
Wadephul declared, “Putin does not want peace, he wants to carry on the war and we shouldn’t allow him to do this.”
Despite recent prisoner exchanges and talks in Turkiye, no further negotiations are planned, dimming hopes for peace.