Largest drone attacks mark a turning point in Ukraine war
This weekend saw the most extensive drone attacks by both Russia and Ukraine since the war began. The barrages affected significant areas of each country, resulting in hundreds of drones being downed, including some in the Moscow region.
Russian air strikes leave fatalities in southern Ukraine
At least six people were killed in southern Ukraine as Russian missiles struck homes, prompting widespread air raid alerts as bombers hovered overhead. The strikes came amid growing expectations that President-elect Donald Trump would pressure both sides to end the conflict. During his campaign, Trump repeatedly claimed he could end the war “in a day” but has not disclosed specific plans.
Trump’s discussions with Putin and questions of US policy
A source claimed Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin following his election victory and advised him not to escalate the conflict. However, Putin has denied recent communications with Trump and stated he has no immediate plans to speak with him. The initial report was published by the Washington Post, citing unnamed sources.
Criticism of US aid and Zelensky’s response
Donald Trump and his supporters have consistently criticized the scale of US financial and military aid to Kyiv. Trump previously called Zelensky “the greatest salesman on Earth.” The US has provided about $106 billion in aid to Ukraine, which includes military, financial, and humanitarian support.
Meme shared by Trump Jr raises eyebrows
Donald Trump Jr posted a meme on Instagram that showed Zelensky standing next to Trump with dollar bills falling around them and the text, “POV: You’re 38 days from losing your allowance.” The post, originally shared by former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, refers to January 20, the day Trump will assume office as the 47th president.
Trump Jr’s stance against ‘war hawks’
Trump Jr emphasized that there will be no place for “war hawks” in his father’s administration. He played an influential role during the campaign and supported Senator JD Vance as Trump’s vice-presidential pick. Vance has expressed the necessity of negotiations with Moscow to end the war and has outlined proposals that would allow Russia to keep the territory it has captured.
Vance’s views on aid to Ukraine
Since the Russian invasion in 2022, Vance has been critical of extensive aid to Ukraine. He once stated, “I gotta be honest with you, I don’t really care what happens to Ukraine one way or another.”
Biden-Trump meeting on Ukraine set for Wednesday
President Biden has invited Trump to the Oval Office on Wednesday, where they are expected to discuss Ukraine, according to National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.
Zelensky’s recent communication with Trump
Last week, Zelensky praised an “excellent call” with Trump following the election, stating that they agreed to “maintain close dialogue and advance our cooperation.” He added that “strong and unwavering US leadership is vital for the world and for a just peace.”
Continued fighting and rising losses
As the war continues, Kyiv reported record Russian losses—1,770 in a single day according to the Ukrainian General Staff. Cumulatively, Russia is said to have lost 710,660 troops since the invasion began in February 2022.
Moscow’s military movements
Russia has reportedly gathered a force of 50,000 troops, including North Koreans, to reclaim areas in Ukraine’s Kursk region. Moscow’s forces have steadily regained territory in Kursk through air and artillery strikes but have yet to launch a major ground offensive.
Night of heavy drone attacks
Saturday night saw Russia launch 145 drones at Ukraine, the largest single-night attack of the conflict. Simultaneously, Russia claimed to have intercepted 34 Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow, marking the biggest attempted strike on the capital since the war began.
Casualties in Mykolaiv and Zaporizhzhia
Five people were killed in Mykolaiv after residential buildings were struck, according to Governor Vitaly Kim. A sixth person died in Zaporizhzhia during Russian air strikes that injured over a dozen. Governor Ivan Fedorov stated that the injured included five children who have since received medical assistance.
