Russia accuses Ukraine of deliberately sabotaging peace talks with intensified aerial attacks, as both nations engage in their deadliest exchange of fire since the war began in 2022.
Key Takeaways
- Russia launched its largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the war began, firing 355 drones and 9 cruise missiles, killing at least 12 civilians.
- Moscow claims its attacks are retaliation for Ukrainian drone strikes and accuses Kyiv of deliberately derailing peace negotiations.
- President Trump has criticized Putin’s actions and threatened additional sanctions against Russia.
- Despite the escalation, both countries recently conducted their largest prisoner exchange, swapping 1,000 people each.
- Russia continues to demand Ukraine abandon NATO ambitions and cede territory as conditions for peace.
Unprecedented Scale of Attacks
Ukraine experienced its most devastating aerial assault since Russia’s full-scale invasion began, with Moscow launching a record 355 drones and nine cruise missiles targeting multiple regions including Kyiv. The massive bombardment claimed at least 12 civilian lives and left dozens injured as Russia deliberately targeted critical infrastructure. Ukrainian officials report this coordinated attack represents a significant escalation in Russia’s offensive strategy, suggesting Putin’s forces are employing increasingly desperate measures to break Ukrainian resolve after more than two years of conflict.
The assault came as diplomatic efforts had shown small signs of progress, with direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials occurring for the first time in three years. However, the timing of this massive attack raises serious questions about Russia’s commitment to meaningful peace negotiations. Moscow maintains its strikes targeted military objectives, while overwhelming evidence shows civilian infrastructure was hit repeatedly across multiple Ukrainian cities and towns.
Ukraine-Russia war: Warning over Trump’s failed peace talk plan after Putin launches largest drone strikehttps://t.co/AlsrOB9X7p
— The Independent (@Independent) May 26, 2025
Russia’s Accusations and Demands
The Kremlin has gone on the offensive in its messaging, claiming Ukraine is deliberately provoking Russia to undermine peace talks. Russia’s defense ministry issued a statement placing blame squarely on Kyiv, alleging Ukraine has launched repeated drone attacks on Russian territory. According to Russian officials, their air defenses reportedly destroyed 2,331 Ukrainian drones between May 20 and 27 alone – a claim that cannot be independently verified but serves Moscow’s narrative of victimhood despite being the aggressor in this conflict.
“Kyiv, with the support of some European countries, has taken a series of provocative steps to thwart negotiations initiated by Russia,” stated the Russian defence ministry in an official release.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov continues preparations for a document outlining Moscow’s peace terms, suggesting Istanbul as a possible location for future talks. However, these peace terms come with non-starters for Ukraine – demanding Kyiv abandon NATO ambitions and permanently cede significant territory to Russia. These conditions would effectively surrender Ukrainian sovereignty, making them impossible for President Zelenskyy to accept without betraying his people’s struggle for freedom and territorial integrity.
Trump Administration’s Response
President Trump has taken a firm stance against Putin’s escalation, criticizing Russia’s actions and threatening additional sanctions. This marks a significant shift in U.S. policy, with the administration expressing growing frustration with Moscow’s intransigence and military aggression. Trump has rejected Russia’s proposal for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, recognizing it as a tactical move rather than a genuine peace overture. The administration appears increasingly convinced that Putin is using diplomatic channels merely as cover while continuing to wage war.
“We would, of course, hope very much. We would very much hope that President Trump would finally see the real nature of Putin and finally start implementing his own principle — peace through strength. But this strength should be pressure over the aggressor, not pressure over the victim,” said Olena Halushka, a prominent Ukrainian activist.
Trump’s approach seems to be evolving toward increased pressure on Russia rather than forcing Ukraine into unfavorable compromises. This aligns with his “peace through strength” doctrine that resonates with both domestic supporters and international allies. The administration has also expedited military aid deliveries to Ukraine, recognizing that Putin only responds to decisive strength rather than diplomatic overtures.
Ukrainian Resilience Amid Devastation
Despite facing Russia’s most brutal aerial assault yet, Ukrainian citizens continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience. Air raid sirens have become a constant feature of daily life, with many spending sleepless nights in metro stations and bomb shelters as Russian missiles rain down. The psychological toll is immense, yet Ukrainian resolve remains unbroken. Civilian infrastructure continues to be Putin’s primary target, with power stations, water facilities, and hospitals deliberately struck to maximize suffering among the population.
“The last three nights were absolutely sleepless. One of the nights I spent in the metro station sheltering from the Russian ballistic missiles. The other two, I slept at home but I was regularly woken up by the explosions. They were very loud and of course it was very chilling,” recounted Olena Halushka, describing the terrifying reality for Ukrainian civilians.
Ukrainian officials continue calling for increased sanctions against Russia and additional military aid to defend their skies. The recent prisoner exchange, where 1,000 people were swapped from each side, represents a rare bright spot amid the escalating violence. However, without substantial international pressure on Moscow, the cycle of Russian aggression will continue unchecked, making genuine peace negotiations virtually impossible.
