Trump’s Ukraine aid freeze sparks deadly Russian onslaught—Will Kyiv survive?

Ukraine has reported a surge in Russian aerial assaults, with 264 drone attacks in the past 48 hours, coinciding with U.S. President Donald Trump‘s decision to freeze military aid and intelligence sharing. The escalation has resulted in at least 24 civilian deaths, with strikes targeting multiple regions, including Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Odesa.

Kyiv Struggles Against Intensified Russian Assaults

Ukraine’s air force confirmed that 119 Shahed drones were launched by Russia overnight, of which 73 were intercepted, while 37 failed mid-flight. The attacks spanned several regions, including Donetsk, Kharkiv, Poltava, Cherkasy, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia. Meanwhile, Kyiv retaliated with its own long-range strikes, as Russia’s defense ministry reported downing 88 Ukrainian drones over eight Russian territories.

The intensification of hostilities comes amid a broader shift in Washington’s approach to the conflict. Trump’s decision to halt U.S. military aid and intelligence support has drawn sharp criticism from Ukraine’s European allies, who argue that the freeze emboldens Russia.

Zelenskyy Condemns Sanctions Evasion Amid Mounting Casualties

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy blamed Western loopholes for allowing Russia to sustain its drone and missile production despite international sanctions. He stated that each drone launched by Russia contains “more than 82,000 foreign components” and argued that continued military support is crucial to Ukraine’s defense.

Zelenskyy called for an urgent increase in air defense supplies and additional investments in domestic weapons production, urging allies to strengthen economic pressure on Moscow. “Every Russian attack is a failure of sanctions,” he remarked.

Trump’s Ukraine Policy Under Scrutiny As War Intensifies

The latest wave of attacks follows Trump’s recent move to withhold military aid in an effort to push Ukraine into negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House has defended the decision, with Trump suggesting that Kyiv bears responsibility for prolonging the war.

During a press briefing, Trump stated, “I actually think Putin wants to stop this. Ukraine doesn’t have the cards.” His remarks have sparked fears among European leaders that Washington’s policy shift is aligning more closely with Moscow’s interests.

Critics argue that Trump’s stance has encouraged Russia to escalate its military campaign, with Polish President Donald Tusk warning, “This is what happens when you appease aggressors—more bombs, more victims.”

Europe Calls For Stronger Military Support Amid Worsening Crisis

European leaders have condemned the recent strikes, urging greater military assistance to Ukraine. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stressed the need for urgent action, stating, “Russian missiles keep relentlessly falling on Ukraine, bringing more death and destruction. We must step up our military support—otherwise, even more Ukrainian civilians will pay the highest price.”

The ongoing crisis has prompted emergency diplomatic efforts, with U.S. and Ukrainian officials scheduled to meet in Saudi Arabia next week to discuss potential peace negotiations. National security adviser Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead the American delegation.

As Ukraine pushes for a resumption of U.S. aid, the battlefield situation remains dire. Russian forces continue targeting critical infrastructure, while Ukraine struggles to maintain its air defenses. With Moscow showing no signs of de-escalation, the coming weeks could determine the course of the war—and whether Ukraine can withstand the latest onslaught.