Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has strongly criticized the United States for what he calls a “silence” in response to Russia’s most intense aerial attack since the war began. Zelensky warned that the lack of strong international condemnation only serves to embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The overnight assault saw Russia fire a staggering 367 drones and missiles across Ukraine—marking the highest number of aerial projectiles used in a single night since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. Ukrainian officials confirmed that at least 12 people were killed, including three children, with dozens more injured in more than 22 targeted areas.
“This cannot be ignored,” Zelensky said in a statement. “America’s silence, and the silence of others in the world, only encourages Putin.”
The barrage followed another heavy strike on Kyiv a day earlier, as Ukraine’s Air Force reported 45 cruise missiles shot down and 266 drones destroyed. Rescuers were dispatched across more than 30 affected towns and cities.
Trump Responds, But Offers No Strategy
Former U.S. President Donald Trump responded hours later during remarks in New Jersey, saying:
“I’m not happy with what Putin is doing. He’s killing a lot of people… What the hell happened to him?”
However, Trump declined to comment on what actions he would take if re-elected, offering no clear policy response.
Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, was among the first from the U.S. to speak out. Posting an image of smoke rising over Kyiv, he wrote on X:
“The indiscriminate killing of women and children… is a clear violation of the 1977 Geneva Peace Protocols… Ceasefire now.”
Tragedy in Zhytomyr: Three Siblings Among the Dead
Among the 12 confirmed dead were three siblings—Stanislav (8), Tamara (12), and Roman (17)—in Ukraine’s Zhytomyr region, west of Kyiv. The children were identified by Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa, who condemned the continued attacks on civilians.
Despite growing international pressure, Russia shows no signs of de-escalation. Zelensky reiterated that only strong global action can stop Russia’s brutality, warning that the war continues, “despite weekends and weekdays.”