In a significant escalation of the ongoing war in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has “very strongly” vowed to respond to a massive Ukrainian drone attack that destroyed more than 40 Russian military aircraft, including strategic nuclear-capable bombers. The warning came during a 75-minute phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump — their first since May 19.
The Ukrainian strike, launched over the weekend, saw 117 drones penetrate deep into Russian territory, damaging airbases and destroying several aircraft from Russia’s long-range nuclear deterrent fleet. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the operation as a “historic moment” in the war effort, while Russia accused Ukraine — and by extension, the West — of crossing a critical threshold.
Putin-Trump Call Raises Eyebrows
Posting on Truth Social before later deleting the statement, Trump wrote that the conversation was “a good one,” but not one that would “lead to immediate peace.” He emphasized that Putin expressed a strong intention to respond to the Ukrainian attacks on docked bombers and military installations.
“President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields,” Trump wrote.
The Kremlin later confirmed the call, with foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov stating that discussions were “constructive” and also touched on peace talks in Istanbul and Iran’s nuclear program. Ushakov said Putin reassured Trump that Russia found the ongoing negotiations with Ukraine “useful,” despite Ukrainian “disruptions.”
Zelenskyy: “Russia Is Giving the Finger to the World”
President Zelenskyy, responding to the developments, lashed out at the idea that Russia is negotiating in good faith. “Many have spoken with Russia at various levels. But none of these talks have brought peace,” Zelenskyy said. “With every new strike, with every delay of diplomacy, Russia is giving the finger to the entire world—to all those who still hesitate to increase pressure on it.”
Zelenskyy also rejected a Russian proposal for a brief ceasefire to recover dead soldiers, calling it a “sham.” In a statement marked by frustration, he said, “A real ceasefire is meant to stop people from being killed. I think they’re idiots if they believe we’ll fall for that.”
Russia Accuses West, Puts Military Options ‘On the Table’
Following the drone strikes, Russian officials have issued stern warnings to Washington and London, accusing them of enabling Ukrainian aggression. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov called on Western powers to rein in Kyiv or risk further escalation.
“Moscow considers all military options to be on the table,” Ryabkov said. “We urge London and Washington to react appropriately to prevent the situation from worsening.”
While both the U.S. and U.K. have denied any prior knowledge of Ukraine’s drone operation, the attack has drawn renewed attention to NATO’s indirect involvement in supporting Ukrainian intelligence and defense systems.
Nuclear Tensions and the “Triad” Warning
Of the aircraft damaged in Ukraine’s drone assault, several were part of Russia’s nuclear “triad” — the trio of land-based missiles, submarine-launched missiles, and strategic bombers that form the backbone of its deterrence strategy.
Military analysts warn that even non-nuclear attacks on these assets can be interpreted as provocations or precursors to more serious engagements. This, combined with Trump’s involvement and deleted post, has raised alarm across diplomatic circles about whether a red line has been crossed.
Iran, Ceasefire Talks, and a Possible Summit
Trump also noted that he and Putin discussed the situation in the Middle East, particularly Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Trump accused Iran of “slow walking” the decision to halt its weapons program and claimed Putin shared his concern about the urgency of the matter.
Meanwhile, discussions between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul have yielded memoranda, though no breakthrough has yet emerged. According to Ushakov, “We hope both sides will be able to continue their talks.”
President Zelenskyy, however, appears increasingly skeptical of the negotiations. Speaking to reporters in Kyiv, he said he’s willing to meet Putin, Trump, or Turkish President Erdogan “any day” to bring about peace — but called the Istanbul talks “pointless” without higher-level engagement.
“They’re only holding talks to appear constructive before the United States — to delay sanctions,” he said. “What Russia presented is not a memorandum of understanding. It’s an ultimatum.”
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Looking Ahead: Peace or Escalation?
With both sides trading accusations and strategic assets now being directly targeted, the prospect of peace seems as distant as ever.
Russia’s demand for conditions ahead of any ceasefire, coupled with Ukraine’s increasingly aggressive posture, suggests that the conflict is entering a more volatile and dangerous phase. Trump’s reemergence as a diplomatic actor adds another layer of complexity, raising questions about how his influence and possible future leadership may shape the next chapter of this war.
For now, the world watches — with growing concern — as Europe’s deadliest war since World War II continues to escalate.