Ukraine Endures Record Attack as Trump Slams Putin

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Wednesday, July 9th, 2025

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rki.news
KYIV, July 9, 2025 – Ukraine suffered its most intense aerial assault since the war began, with President Volodymyr Zelensky confirming that 728 drones and 13 cruise or ballistic missiles struck cities across the country overnight. The attacks targeted multiple regions, including Lutsk, Lviv, and Rivne, leaving devastation near the Polish border.
“This deliberate attack comes at a time when real efforts are underway for peace,” Zelensky said, condemning Russia’s rejection of ceasefire initiatives.
The assault followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s reversal on military aid. Initially suspended last week reportedly without Trump’s awareness the aid package may now include 10 Patriot missile systems. Trump expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating, “We get a lot of bullshit from Putin… he acts friendly, but it means nothing.”
Trump also acknowledged recent discussions with Putin but voiced disappointment: “He just wants to keep killing people. It’s no good.”
Despite repeated contacts between Trump and Putin, no diplomatic breakthrough has emerged. Two earlier rounds of ceasefire talks between Ukraine and Russia this year yielded no results.
Meanwhile, Russia continues its offensive in eastern Ukraine, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating: “We are moving forward. Ukraine must accept the new realities.”
Trump, speaking alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, distanced himself from the prior aid suspension, asking reporters, “I don’t know who made that decision.”
On sanctions, Trump indicated a possible shift, saying he’s reviewing a proposed bill from Senator Lindsey Graham that would impose 500% tariffs on nations trading with Russia. However, he also admitted sanctions “cost a lot” and hinted he was waiting for a breakthrough in negotiations before acting.
Russia responded to the violence with claims of a Ukrainian drone strike on Kursk, killing three and injuring seven.
The war, now in its third year, shows no sign of de-escalation.