"Russia Launches Record 728 Drones at Ukraine After Trump Pledges U.S. Weapons Support"

 "Russia Launches Record 728 Drones at Ukraine After Trump Pledges U.S. Weapons Support"

In an alarming escalation of the ongoing war in Ukraine, Russia launched a record-breaking 728 drones at Ukrainian targets early Wednesday, just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump pledged to send more defensive weapons to Kyiv and criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Ukrainian air defense forces were quick to respond and successfully intercepted most of the drones. However, Russia also fired six hypersonic missiles, some of which managed to hit their targets, causing damage that officials have not yet fully detailed. At least one person was confirmed dead in western Ukraine due to falling debris from a downed drone. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that the strikes were aimed at military airfields.

The situation was even more dire closer to the frontlines. In the Ukrainian-controlled part of the Donetsk region, eight people were reportedly killed in a separate wave of drone and guided bomb attacks. The rising frequency and intensity of these aerial assaults are putting immense pressure on Ukraine’s already strained air defense systems.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is currently in Rome to meet U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg ahead of a summit with Ukraine’s allied nations, condemned the massive strike. He argued that the attack underscored the urgent need for tighter sanctions on Russia, particularly targeting its revenues from oil and gas exports. He urged the international community to take a firmer stance, including punishing countries that continue to do business with Russia by purchasing its energy resources.

While in Rome, Zelenskyy also held a meeting with Pope Leo. The Pope offered to mediate peace talks between Ukraine and Russia at the Vatican. Zelenskyy expressed openness to the idea, calling it “entirely possible,” but noted that Russia had so far rejected all offers for unconditional ceasefire negotiations.

President Trump, meanwhile, doubled down on his criticism of Putin during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. He accused the Russian leader of being duplicitous, saying, “We get a lot of bullshit thrown at us by Putin. He’s always nice, but it’s meaningless.” Trump added a note of suspense when asked what actions he planned to take against Putin: “I wouldn’t tell you. We want to have a little surprise.”

Trump, who recently returned to the White House after campaigning on promises to quickly end the war, has sent mixed signals on how he plans to deal with Russia. His administration has taken a more diplomatic tone compared to Joe Biden’s, yet the latest moves — including the pledge of new weapons and a potential sanctions package — suggest a tougher stance may be forming.

In a significant policy shift, Trump also revealed he is considering backing a bill that would slap massive sanctions on Russia. The proposed legislation includes 500% tariffs on countries that continue to buy Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other key exports. If passed, the measure could deal a major blow to Russia’s economy and add new pressure on Putin to come to the negotiating table.

This apparent reversal comes just days after the Pentagon had announced it would delay sending some critical munitions to Ukraine. Trump’s latest pledge could help Ukraine replenish its defenses at a crucial time, as Russia ramps up its drone and missile campaigns.

With diplomacy still at a standstill and Russia refusing to accept Trump’s proposal for an unconditional ceasefire, the conflict continues to grind on — more destructive, and uncertain, than ever.