Kyiv: Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have escalated sharply following an alleged Ukrainian attempt to target Russian President Vladimir Putin’s helicopter. The Russian military reportedly foiled the attack, allowing the President to narrowly escape harm. In response, Russia launched a massive retaliation involving drone and missile strikes across several Ukrainian cities.
On Sunday, Russia deployed 367 drones and missiles targeting multiple regions, including the capital Kyiv, in what Ukrainian officials described as the largest aerial assault since the war began over three years ago. At least 12 people were killed in the attack.
Former US President Donald Trump reacted strongly to the developments, launching a scathing attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin via his Truth Social platform. “Putin appears to have gone completely mad,” Trump stated. “He is killing people unnecessarily — not just soldiers, but innocent civilians through unprovoked drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities.”
Trump further warned that any move to fully annex Ukraine would spell disaster for Russia. “He doesn’t just want part of Ukraine; he wants the whole country. While he may think that’s the right approach, such actions will only lead to Russia’s collapse,” he wrote.
Trump also directed criticism at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, stating that his public statements are doing more harm than good. “Zelensky’s tone and rhetoric are escalating tensions. This isn’t helping Ukraine. It needs to stop. Had I been president three years ago, this war would not have happened. I am now working to bring an end to this conflict,” he added.
Ukrainian President Zelensky, meanwhile, lashed out at the United States for remaining silent on the latest Russian assault, suggesting that continued inaction could be interpreted as tacit encouragement to the Kremlin.