Russia launched its largest aerial attack on Ukrainian capital Kyiv, targeting apartment blocks, schools, and infrastructure with over 550 drones and 11 missiles. The attack began shortly after a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who made no progress towards ending the conflict.
The bombardment left at least one person dead and over 20 injured across several districts of Kyiv. Air raid sirens wailed for eight hours into Friday morning as families sought shelter in underground metro stations. The Ukrainian government accused Russia of intensifying its bombing campaign against Ukraine, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calling the attack a “harsh, sleepless night.”
Zelenskyy met with Trump after the attack and discussed increasing air defense capabilities and protection of Ukraine’s skies. He also claimed that they agreed on meeting their teams to discuss security measures, particularly drones and related technologies.
The phone call between Trump and Putin came a day after they spoke about ending the war in Ukraine. However, Trump expressed disappointment, saying he made no progress with Putin and is not happy about the outcome.
Russia’s defense ministry attributed the aerial strikes to “terrorist acts of the Kyiv regime.” The move has raised concerns over the ongoing ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine, which have floundered in recent weeks.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/07/04/nx-s1-5456846/russia-hits-ukraine-with-largest-aerial-attack-as-trump-talks-to-zelenskyy-and-putin