Russia has launched one of the largest aerial attacks since the beginning of the full-scale war, targeting nine regions of Ukraine with more than 400 drones and 40 missiles. The Kremlin claims this was in response to Ukraine’s “Web” operation against Russian airbases. Meanwhile, Donald Trump compared the war to "a playground fight between kids," expressed skepticism about peace efforts, and his administration is cutting military aid to Ukraine. European leaders stress they can support Ukraine even without U.S. assistance.
Massive Drone and Missile Attack on Ukraine
In the night of June 6, Russia launched out one of the most extensive air assaults of the war, launching over 400 drones and 40 missiles across nine regions, including Kyiv, Ternopil, Lutsk, and Chernihiv. In Kyiv, at least three people died, including emergency responders, and dozens were injured. In Chernihiv, five people were killed, among them a one-year-old child, her mother, and grandmother.
Russia claimed the attack was retaliation for Ukraine’s “Web” operation on June 1, which reportedly targeted five Russian airbases and destroyed or damaged up to 41 aircraft, including strategic bombers Tu-95 and Tu-22M3.
U.S. Position: Trump and Global Reaction
After a phone call with Russian President Putin, Donald Trump saidthat the conflict between Ukraine and Russia resembles “two kids fighting in the park,” and that “sometimes it’s better to let them fight before breaking up.”
Trump also has expressed on the prospect of a quick peace, suggesting both sides should keep fighting until they exhaust their resources.
His former advisor Steve Bannon criticized Senator Lindsey Graham for supporting Ukraine and said he should be “arrested” for continuing to “escalate” the situation.
The Trump administration is has reportedly cut back military aid to Ukraine, including halting the supply of key anti-drone systems, raising concerns among U.S. allies.
Trump-Musk Feud Distracts from Ukraine
Simultaneously, the public feud between President Trump and Elon Musk has shifted media and political focus away from the topic of the war in Ukraine.
The dispute escalated after Musk harshly criticized Trump’s proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill,” calling it “disgusting” for potentially increasing U.S. debt by $2.4 trillion and scrapping EV tax credits—moves that hurt Tesla.
In response, Trump labeled Musk “a man who’s lost his mind” and threatened to cancel federal contracts with SpaceX and Tesla. He also said he would sell his Tesla, which he had previously bought to support Musk and proudly showcased at the White House. Musk, in turn, claimed Trump would not have won the 2024 election without his support.
Military Situation: Frontlines and Russian Losses
According According Russian forces are suffering an average of 1,140 casualties daily, including around 975 killed. Since the beginning of 2025, Russia’s total losses amount to approximately 160,000 personnel. Despite continued offensives in the Kupiansk, Lyman, Siversk, and Zaporizhzhia directions, Russian troops have failed to gain significant ground.
Europe and NATO’s Role
German Bundeswehr General Christian Freuding saidthat Europe could sustain support for Ukraine even without U.S. involvement, provided there is political will. He noted that European NATO members and Canada have already surpassed the $20 billion in military aid the U.S. provided to Kyiv last year.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed over the Trump administration’s perception of Russian military power. He urged the U.S. to take more decisive action and reminded Trump that he remains a key global figure capable of pressuring Russia into ending the war. Merz, who months ago advocated for Europe’s strategic independence from the U.S., now emphasized the need for Trump’s leadership to secure peace in Ukraine.
Ukraine has criticized the EU’s decision to allocate €3 billion from frozen Russian assets to compensate Western investors, arguing the funds should be directed toward Ukraine’s reconstruction instead.
Photo: REUTERS/Sofiia Gatilova
Author: Inna Mikhno