KYIV, Ukraine
Russia has unleashed the most intense aerial assault since the war in Ukraine began more than three years ago, launching an unprecedented 355 drones overnight on Sunday, according to Ukrainian officials. The record-breaking barrage came amid fresh diplomatic efforts by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has now publicly declared that Vladimir Putin has “gone absolutely CRAZY.”
Trump’s remarks mark a dramatic shift in tone from the former president, who once boasted of his close rapport with the Russian leader. But with nearly 900 drones fired at Ukraine over the past three days, that relationship appears to have hit a breaking point.
“I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia,” Trump posted Sunday night. “But something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!”
The escalation threatens to derail fragile U.S.-led peace efforts and sends a clear message from Moscow: the war is far from over.
Putin’s Drone Blitz: A Tactical Gamble or Political Theater?
According to Yuriy Ihnat, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Air Force, Russia’s latest wave of drones represents “the largest single aerial attack of the war.” The previous night’s strike, which included 298 drones and 69 missiles, had already set a grim record, one now shattered within 24 hours.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks as acts of impunity, stating, “There is no significant military logic to this, but there is considerable political meaning.”
Military analysts suggest the drone onslaught is not simply about territorial gains but is designed to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses, exhaust morale, and pressure Kyiv into negotiations under duress. The intensity also appears timed to coincide with Western diplomatic efforts possibly as a rebuke to U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposals.
Trump’s Tightrope: From Peacemaker to Critic
Trump has often touted his ability to broker peace where others have failed, claiming he could end the war “within 24 hours” if re-elected. But the latest attacks seem to have jolted the former president out of his diplomatic posture.
“Missiles and drones are being shot into cities in Ukraine, for no reason whatsoever,” Trump wrote. “If Putin wants to conquer all of Ukraine, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!”
Still, Trump did not spare Ukraine from criticism, accusing President Zelenskyy of inflaming tensions with his rhetoric a comment likely to stir unease among European allies and Kyiv itself.
Despite the fiery language, Trump has yet to enact or propose any concrete sanctions against Moscow, a delay critics say undermines U.S. credibility and strengthens Putin’s hand.
Europe Responds: Sanctions and Shock
The European Union has responded with swift condemnation. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat, called the attacks on Kyiv “totally appalling” and confirmed the bloc is preparing a new round of sanctions.
Zelenskyy, for his part, renewed calls for broader international action, warning that the Kremlin’s aggression will only escalate if left unchecked.
“Russia’s desire to fight must be deprived of resources,” Zelenskyy urged. “Only then will the bombs stop falling.”
Behind the Front Lines: A Glimmer of Cooperation
Amid the carnage, one rare diplomatic success did emerge: a large-scale prisoner exchange. Over three days, Ukraine and Russia swapped more than 1,000 soldiers and civilians, the largest such exchange of the war.
The swap, agreed upon during recent talks in Istanbul, was described by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as evidence of Moscow’s “readiness for peace.” However, he defended the drone attacks as a necessary response to “deep strikes” by Ukraine.
“We are at a decisive moment,” Peskov said. “These are emotional reactions in an emotionally overloaded time.”
The Road Ahead: A Summer Offensive Looms
With Russia reportedly massing forces along the 620-mile front line, Ukrainian and Western officials warn a full-scale summer offensive may be imminent. Despite enormous costs and minimal gains, Moscow appears determined to grind forward.
For Trump, the conflict now presents a high-stakes test of leadership. Can he convert bombast into real diplomacy or will his words be buried under the roar of drones?
As Kyiv braces for what may be a summer of fire, the gap between rhetoric and reality has never been more stark. And while peace may still be on the table, it’s clear that war is what’s being served with a vengeance.
