While a strong response from Russia to the Ukrainian offensive is almost certain, what is even more certain is the end of hopes of any ceasefire between Russian and a NATO-backed Ukraine in the near future.
Ukraine smuggled hundreds of drones into Russia, hide them in wooden cabins loaded on trucks, got the trucks driven to the airbases, and remotely launched the drones. The trucks then self-destructed.
Donald Trump’s frustration with Putin, however, is not limited to mere rhetoric; rather, the US President is contemplating imposing secondary sanctions against Russia.
Interestingly, Trump has also backtracked from his statement in which he committed to bringing the Ukraine-Russia war ongoing for the last three years to an end.
Asserting that Europe must do the heavy lifting in Ukraine, Keir Starmer said, “Not every nation will feel able to contribute, but that can’t mean that we sit back. Instead, those willing will intensify planning now with real urgency."
Zelenskyy expressed regret over the heated argument with Trump. However, on being asked if he would apologise to the US President, he said that he did not believe that an apology was necessary.
Donald Trump stated that the deal gives Ukraine the right to continue fighting along with $350 billion and 'a lot of equipment'. He also emphasised that the financial and military aid provided by the US is crucial to Ukraine's survival in the war.