Just days after Donald Trump reportedly spoke to Vladimir Putin about the war in Ukraine coming to an end, Russia unleashed a new, massive wave of drone and missile attacks. That assault, one of the biggest assaults of the war, included bombs in many regions, including Kharkiv, Sumy, and Odesa, leaving destruction in its wake and sending a shudder across the world.
The new wave of strikes occurred despite comprehensive discussions regarding a possible ceasefire, talks Trump openly endorsed. The escalation raises the possibility that the Kremlin is not interested in peace, but is using diplomacy as a decoy.
Trump: “Get to the Table Before It’s Too Late”
Reacting to the attacks, Trump took to Truth Social to deliver a pointed message aimed at both sides.
“To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late,” he wrote, voicing his disappointment over what he sees as a missed opening for dialogue. He accused Putin of turning away from meaningful negotiation and warned that the clock is ticking to stop the violence from getting worse.
Later, Trump followed up with a stern warning: “Putin is playing with fire.”
These comments represent a noticeable shift in Trump’s approach. Until now, he had mentioned that he could end the war quickly if elected again. But the latest developments suggest his patience may be wearing thin.
U.S. Lawmakers Push for Tougher Sanctions on Moscow
In Washington, Russia’s aggressive moves are fueling demands for a stronger response. Senator Lindsey Graham has proposed a sweeping sanctions bill that would impose a 500% tariff on countries purchasing Russian oil or gas. The goal is to hit the Kremlin where it hurts—its energy exports.
The bill is picking up momentum in the Senate and reflects growing bipartisan frustration over Moscow’s continued defiance. As the war drags on, economic pressure is being viewed as one of the few remaining tools to rein in Putin’s ambitions.
The move also puts pressure on countries still doing energy business with Russia. Trump, while pushing for peace, signaled support for this kind of economic pressure as a way to force Putin to the negotiating table.
Zelensky: Russia Preparing for Long War, Not Peace
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky didn’t mince words in his response. Despite previous signals from Russia about possible talks, Zelensky said actions on the ground tell a very different story.
“Putin’s words are very different from reality,” he said. He added that more than 50,000 Russian troops have gathered near Kharkiv, which is a clear sign that Moscow is preparing for a prolonged war, not a peace deal.
The new wave of attacks backs up Zelensky’s claim. While Ukraine continues to call for international support, hopes for meaningful diplomacy remain slim.
U.S. Envoy Warns of ‘Industrial-Strength Killing’
Retired General Keith Kellogg, who now serves as a special envoy for Ukraine under the Trump administration, painted a grim picture of the war’s toll.
“We’re seeing industrial-strength killing,” Kellogg said in a recent interview. He noted that 1.2 million deaths had occurred, something more than was experienced by the U.S. in World War II. Kellogg said there was urgency in negotiations, adding that only Trump had the credibility to negotiate a deal between the two countries.
Russia Brushes Off Trump’s Warnings
While Trump’s comments have drawn international attention, the Kremlin has largely shrugged them off. Ex-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev reacted by alluding to fears over World War III, a stark reminder of the stakes involved.
For the moment, there is no formal response from Putin to Trump’s comments. But with attacks escalating and negotiations not going anywhere, Russia looks set to continue its military offensive.
Germany Allows Ukraine to Hit Targets Inside Russia
In a major policy shift, Germany has now permitted Ukraine to use German-supplied long-range weapons to strike military targets inside Russia. Until recently, Western countries had been cautious about escalating the conflict across borders. But as Russia’s attacks intensify, more NATO countries are loosening restrictions.
Germany is following France and the UK in allowing this conduct. This is likely to increase pressure on Putin and allow Ukraine to gain new tactical advantages, but it could also lead to a stronger Russian response.
A Critical Moment for Diplomacy
The latest escalation has turned what was supposed to be a hopeful moment for peace into a dangerous turning point. Trump’s direct warning to Putin, combined with new sanctions and military responses from the West, shows that the conflict is entering a more volatile phase.
Whether diplomacy can still prevail remains uncertain. But with over a million lives already lost and cities under daily threat, the world is watching and waiting for the next move.
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