Russia is maximizing the pause on U.S. military aid to Ukraine to launch a series of massive overnight missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday. The assault, using nearly 70 missiles and 200 drones, targeted key infrastructure.
Zelensky described the attack as “massive” and said it was “directed against infrastructure that ensures normal life.”
The Ukrainian air force reported downing 134 projectiles, including 25 cruise missiles and 100 drones. However, it could not stop the ballistic missiles. These missiles travel five times the speed of sound, making them difficult to intercept.
Zelensky Pushes for Ceasefire
Following the strikes, Zelensky renewed calls for a ceasefire, echoing a plan first suggested by French President Emmanuel Macron. He urged for a halt to air and sea attacks.
“Silence in the skies – banning the use of missiles, long-range drones, and aerial bombs,” Zelensky said. “Silence at sea – a real guarantee of normal navigation.”
Zelensky also repeated Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate for peace. “We are ready to pursue the path to peace,” he said. He hopes European leaders will support this push.
Meanwhile, U.S.-Ukraine relations remain tense. After Zelensky’s difficult meeting with President Donald Trump last week, the U.S. paused military aid and intelligence sharing. This could leave Ukraine more vulnerable to future Russian attacks.
Trump surprised many on Friday by threatening Russia with sanctions. “Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely ‘pounding’ Ukraine,” he wrote, “I am considering placing large-scale banking sanctions and tariffs on Russia until a peace deal is reached.“
However, experts doubt these tariffs will impact Russia much, as U.S.-Russia trade is minimal.
Russia Gains Ground in Kursk
Ukraine is facing serious pressure in Kursk, where Russian forces, reinforced by 12,000 North Korean troops, are advancing. Ukraine launched an incursion into the region last August, hoping to weaken Russia’s military focus. However, Kyiv has since lost much of the territory.
Ukrainian military blogger Andriy Tsaplienko warned that “Russian troops have entered Sumy region” and are trying to “cut off the Ukrainian bridgehead.”
Some experts believe Ukraine should pull back. “I didn’t think I’d say this, but maybe it’s time to ‘close the shop’ in Kursk,” said blogger Serhii Flesh. “As a diversion of enemy resources, it worked. But as a political card, it’s now questionable.“
The situation remains tense as Ukraine struggles with limited military resources and ongoing Russian aggression.
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