EditRussia’s largest air assault on Ukraine: escalation amid Trump’s waning influence
"I’ve always had a very good relationship with Putin, but has gone absolutely CRAZY", Trump wrote
On the night of 25 May, Russia unleashed its most extensive air attack on Ukraine since the war began, deploying 367 drones and missiles, including 298 strike drones and 69 missiles, targeting cities across the country, including Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, and Kharkiv.
The assault killed at least 12 people, including three children in Zhytomyr, and injured dozens, marking a grim escalation in Russia’s campaign. Ukrainian officials described the attack as a deliberate targeting of civilians, with residential buildings, university dormitories, and infrastructure damaged across multiple regions.
This barrage, the largest in terms of weaponry used, raises questions about Russia’s strategic intentions, the viability of ongoing peace efforts, and the United States’ ability to influence Russian President Vladimir Putin under President Donald Trump’s leadership.
A blow to ceasefire hopes
The timing of the attack is particularly significant, as it coincides with delicate ceasefire efforts reportedly being mediated in the Vatican. Ukraine and its European allies have been pushing for a 30-day ceasefire as a precursor to broader negotiations to end the three-year conflict. These efforts, however, suffered a setback when Trump declined to impose additional sanctions on Moscow for failing to agree to an immediate pause in hostilities, a move Kyiv had strongly advocated.
The scale of the attack – described by Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko as a “combined, ruthless strike aimed at civilians” – suggests a strategic intent to maximise disruption and fear. By targeting civilian infrastructure across a dozen regions, Russia may be aiming to undermine Ukrainian morale and pressure Kyiv into concessions at the negotiating table.
Zelenskyy’s call for global action
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack as a “terrorist” act, urging the international community, particularly the United States, to break its “silence” and impose new sanctions on Russia.
“The silence of America, the silence of others in the world only encourages Putin,” Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram, emphasising that global passivity emboldens Russia’s aggression. His chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, echoed this sentiment, warning that without sustained pressure, Russia would continue to build its capacity for such attacks, potentially extending its aggression beyond Ukraine.
Zelenskyy’s appeal reflects frustration with the perceived softening of U.S. policy toward Russia since Trump’s inauguration. The Ukrainian leader has repeatedly called for “determination” from the U.S. and Europe, arguing that targeted sanctions on Russia’s economy—already strained by years of conflict—could force Moscow to reconsider its strategy. However, the absence of immediate punitive measures following the attack raises doubts about the West’s ability to present a unified front.
Trump’s response: rhetoric without action
President Trump’s reaction to the attack was uncharacteristically critical of Putin, with whom he has claimed a long-standing rapport. Speaking to reporters in New Jersey on 25 May, Trump expressed dismay, stating, “I’m not happy with what Putin’s doing. He’s killing a lot of people.”
“I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!”, he went on.
“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!”, Trump wrote.
The US President’s reaction also included criticism of Zelenskyy, whom he accused of exacerbating tensions through provocative rhetoric.
However, Trump’s comments stopped short of committing to concrete measures, such as additional sanctions, offering only a vague affirmation that he was “absolutely” considering them.
This dual critique underscores the challenges of U.S. leadership in the conflict. While Trump’s condemnation of Putin suggests an acknowledgment of Russia’s aggression, his reluctance to back immediate sanctions or other coercive measures aligns with his broader “America First” approach, which prioritises avoiding entanglement in foreign conflicts. This stance has frustrated Kyiv, which sees robust U.S. support as critical to countering Russia’s military superiority.
Putin’s calculus: defiance amid diplomatic overtures
Russia’s decision to launch such a massive attack amid ceasefire discussions suggests that Putin is prioritising military leverage over diplomatic goodwill. The assault’s scale – surpassing previous strikes in the number of weapons deployed – indicates a calculated effort to demonstrate Russia’s capacity to sustain and intensify its campaign, even as its economy faces mounting pressure from existing sanctions.
The attack’s timing, just as prisoner swaps and ceasefire talks were underway, may also reflect Putin’s intent to undermine confidence in diplomatic processes. By striking civilian targets and causing significant casualties, Russia could be signalling that it views negotiations as a secondary priority to achieving battlefield dominance. This approach aligns with Moscow’s historical tactic of using overwhelming force to extract concessions, as seen in earlier phases of the conflict.
The Vatican talks and the path forward
The proposed peace talks in the Vatican, though not officially confirmed, represent a fragile attempt to broker a resolution. For Ukraine, the path forward hinges on securing stronger international support. Zelenskyy’s call for sanctions targeting Russia’s economic vulnerabilities – such as its energy sector and financial systems – aims to erode Moscow’s ability to sustain its war machine. However, the effectiveness of such measures depends on coordinated action from the U.S. and Europe, which appears uncertain given Trump’s hesitancy and the varied priorities of European nations.
Sources: Reuters, European Pravda, edited by g.g.
Caption: Ukrainian rescuers work at the site of a residential area struck by a rocket as a result of an overnight strike in a village near Kyiv, Ukraine, 25 May 2025, amid the ongoing Russian invasion. At least 12 people were killed across Ukraine, including children, and dozens more were injured, after Russia launched a large-scale attack with at least 69 missiles and nearly 300 drones in 13 different regions, the State Emergency Service confirmed on 25 May. [EPA-EFE/SERGEY DOLZHENKO]
Updated: May 26, 2025 - 06:03
