Zelensky Laments: Russia Launches Record Attack as Trump U-turns on Ukraine Aid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on July 9, 2025, condemned what he described as the most extensive aerial assault by Russia since the war began.

In a coordinated overnight offensive, Russian forces launched a staggering 728 drones and 13 cruise or ballistic missiles at cities across Ukraine.

“This was a calculated and symbolic strike,” Zelensky said.

“It happened just as major diplomatic efforts were underway to reach a ceasefire.

“And still, only Russia continues to reject every path toward peace.”

The escalation coincided with a significant policy shift from the United States.

President Donald Trump, reversing a brief halt in military support, announced that Washington would resume arms deliveries to Kyiv.

According to U.S. media reports, Trump had been unaware of last week’s suspension, which was authorized by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Under-Secretary of Defense for Policy, Elbridge Colby.

On Tuesday, Trump expressed growing irritation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite their ongoing communications.

“Putin throws a lot of bullshit our way, let’s be honest,” Trump told reporters.

“He always acts friendly, but it means nothing.”

The Kremlin appeared unfazed by Trump’s remarks.

“We’re pretty calm about this,” said spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.

“His language is always tough, it’s just the way he speaks.”

Despite frequent dialogue between the two leaders, their talks have yielded little progress on a ceasefire.

Trump, who once claimed he could end the war in a single day, admitted last week that he was “very unhappy” after a phone call with Putin.

“He just wants to keep going—keep killing.

“It’s senseless,” Trump said.

The apparent internal confusion within the Trump administration over Ukraine aid was on display during a press conference on Tuesday.

When asked who had halted the weapons shipments, Trump—sitting beside Hegseth, quipped, “I don’t know.

“Why don’t you tell me?”

Following the reversal, up to 10 U.S.-made Patriot missile systems may soon be sent to Ukraine, according to Axios.

These interceptors are crucial for defending against Russia’s increasingly intense drone and missile attacks.

Trump also revealed he was reviewing a new sanctions proposal from Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, which would impose tariffs as high as 500% on countries doing business with Russia.

While Trump has repeatedly threatened sanctions since taking office in January, he has yet to implement any, citing their economic impact.

Last month, he said he was holding off in hopes of a peace agreement.

Still, he hinted that sanctions could be on the horizon.

“We’ve talked about them a lot,” Trump said of his conversations with Putin.

“He knows they may be coming.”

Russia’s latest attack wasn’t limited to eastern Ukraine or the capital.

The western city of Lutsk, just 90 kilometers from the Polish border and a key logistics hub for military and humanitarian aid, was hit hard in Tuesday’s barrage.

Explosions also rocked Lviv and Rivne, highlighting how no region of Ukraine is truly safe.

In response, Ukraine launched a drone strike on the Russian border region of Kursk, killing three people and injuring seven, according to Russian officials.

While two rounds of peace talks were held earlier this year, there have been no further negotiations, and neither side currently appears hopeful about diplomacy.

The conflict, triggered by Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, shows no sign of easing.

Russia’s summer offensive in the east continues, with the Kremlin claiming incremental progress.

“We are advancing,” said Peskov.

“Every day, Ukraine has to face new realities on the ground.”

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