Russia launched an attack involving 574 drones and 40 missiles on Ukraine, according to reports from the Ukrainian Air Force. While Ukraine’s air defense systems intercepted most of these missiles, this large-scale assault was not an isolated incident. Tragically, officials confirmed that at least one person died, and 15 others were injured.

Ukrainian officials said that the Russian attack targeted vital energy infrastructure, private residences, and an American electronics factory—where President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the 15 injuries occurred—as well as a kindergarten. In a social media post, Zelenskyy stated, “Last night, the Russian military hit a new low. They struck civilian infrastructure, residential buildings, and our people.” He described the electronics factory as an “American investment” and an “ordinary civilian business” that produces “everyday items like coffee machines.”

“This too has become a target for the Russians. It’s quite telling. The fire at the facility is still being extinguished. Right now, 15 people are known to have been impacted by this attack, all of whom have received necessary medical attention,” he added.

Regarding President Trump’s attempts to negotiate a peace agreement to resolve the conflict, including a recent bilateral summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin just a week ago, Zelenskyy criticized Moscow for launching this new attack “as if nothing had changed at all, as if there were no global efforts to halt this war.”

“A response is needed,” he said. “So far, there hasn’t been any indication from Moscow that they truly intend to engage in serious talks to end this war. We need to apply pressure. Strong sanctions, strong tariffs.

There has been ongoing discussion about a peace deal regarding the war in Ukraine, driven by Mr. Trump’s heightened diplomacy. However, within Ukraine, many, including President Zelenskyy, doubt Putin’s commitment to ending the war, believing he is merely using the ceasefire narrative to placate Trump.

Meanwhile, Russian forces continue to seize territory in eastern Ukraine, with reports of recent captures in the Donetsk region.

Ukrainian Major Taras Berezovets expressed that Putin cannot be trusted, calling him a “cheater” and a “criminal.” This mistrust is why Ukraine seeks security guarantees from the U.S. and NATO allies to ensure protection against future Russian aggression.

President Trump has stated that these guarantees would not entail U.S. troops on the ground, with Vice President JD Vance emphasizing that Europe should cover most costs. However, securing agreement from all parties, including Russia, on these guarantees is challenging. Following his meeting with Putin, Trump discussed organizing talks between Zelenskyy and European leaders, but Moscow has diminished the chances of a summit occurring soon, insisting on being involved in any security discussions for Ukraine.

In a recent post on his personal social media, Mr. Trump shared his thoughts on Thursday — without addressing the recent violence in the ongoing conflict — stating that it is “extremely challenging, if not impossible, to win a war without launching an attack on an invading nation. … The chance of victory is nonexistent! This is the reality with Ukraine and Russia.”

Mr. Trump also pointed out that his predecessor, Joe Biden, “would not permit Ukraine to retaliate, only to defend itself.” He added, without going into details, that there are “Fascinating times ahead!!!”

In November, just weeks before he handed the presidency back to Mr. Trump, Biden changed the long-standing policy that had effectively prevented Ukraine from using U.S.-supplied missiles to strike deep into Russia.
The French government released a statement on Thursday condemning the recent Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukraine, backing Zelenskyy’s claim that it contradicted Putin’s stated desire for a peace agreement.

“While Russia professes its willingness to negotiate, it simultaneously continues its lethal attacks on Ukrainian land,” the statement, attributed to a deputy spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry, claimed. “These assaults, the most extensive in a month, demonstrate Russia’s lack of any real intention to engage sincerely in peace discussions. They once again highlight the urgent need to halt the bloodshed, and thus to maintain and increase pressure on Russia. France reaffirms its support for President Trump’s initiative aimed at securing a fair and lasting peace and will continue to work diligently alongside Ukraine and its allies.