Russia has launched its largest air attack since the start of the invasion, and the West is becoming more reluctant to support Ukraine. Zelenskiy sounds the alarm while Trump attacks Moscow with words but avoids action. Amid the military and political escalation, the only positive news was the exchange of prisoners.
Russia's largest air attack: 12 dead, dozens wounded
On the night of May 25, Russia carried its most powerful air attack yet, firing 298 drones and 69 missiles at over 30 Ukrainian cities. The strikes killed at least 12 people, including three children, and injured dozens more. Kyiv, Khmelnytskyi, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Dnipro, and Kharkiv were particularly affected. The attack coincided with Kyiv Day celebrations, forcing residents to take shelter.
Zelenskiy criticized the US for its silence: "It only encourages Putin"
Following the massive attacks, President Zelenskiy sharply wrote the Donald Trump administration, accusing it of inaction in response to Moscow's escalation. He emphasized that Washington's silence only reinforces the Kremlin's aggressiveness and undermines international efforts to achieve peace.
Zelenskiy called for tougher sanctions against Russia and emphasized the need for decisive action by the international community.
Prisoner Exchange Amid Escalation
Despite the escalation of hostilities, Ukraine and Russia completed the third stage of a large-scale prisoner exchange on May 25, releasing 303 soldiers from both sides.
This was the largest exchange since the war began and resulted from negotiations in Istanbul on May 16. However, experts warn that such steps do not indicate real progress in the peace process, especially given Moscow's increased attacks.
Trump accused Russia of stealing hypersonic technology
US President Donald Trump said, that Russia stole hypersonic missile technology from the United States during the Obama administration. He noted that the United States is now producing such missiles but did not disclose details about the theft. He made this statement during his speech to graduates of the West Point Military Academy.
The US risks turning the war in Ukraine into a failure, according to Bloomberg
According to Bloomberg, the United States risks turning the war in Ukraine into an even worse failure than Afghanistan if it does not increase support for Kyiv. The publication notes that insufficient military assistance and indecision could lead to a protracted conflict with unpredictable consequences. As President Donald Trump increasingly distances himself from supporting Ukraine, European leaders are trying to figure out how to hold the front lines without American weapons.
According to Bloomberg, one realistic scenario is that Europe will purchase American weapons and transfer them directly to Ukraine, bypassing Washington. Europe has little choice; its own arsenals are running low, and its defense industry is unable to meet the demands of the war.
Author: Danylo Pievchev