Background on Key Figures and Context
Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, has been at the forefront of his nation’s resistance against Russian aggression since 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea. In recent years, tensions escalated further, leading to the current conflict that began in February 2022. Zelensky’s leadership has been marked by resilience and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation.
Donald Trump, the former U.S. President, has maintained contact with global leaders, including Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. His involvement in the conflict stems from his influence and potential to sway international opinion or policy.
Key Developments in the Discussion
Air Defense Reinforcement Agreement
During a call with Trump, Zelensky stated that they agreed to “strengthen” Ukraine’s air defenses following the largest Russian bombardment since the war began in 2022. However, Zelensky did not provide specifics about the agreement.
Russia, on the other hand, acknowledged that diplomatic means may not achieve their objectives in Ukraine, implying ongoing military operations against a weakened adversary.
Stalemate in Diplomatic Efforts
Trump admitted that no progress was made during his conversation with Putin regarding resolving the conflict. Moreover, direct talks between Russia and Ukraine have yet to resume a month after their last unsuccessful meeting in Turkey.
Putin continues to demand that Ukraine cede four regions and abandon its NATO membership aspirations, conditions deemed unacceptable by Ukraine, which insists on Russian troop withdrawal from its territory.
“Brutal Night”
Putin reiterated to Trump that Russia will not abandon its objectives in Ukraine. Consequently, the “special military operation” will continue, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov.
Meanwhile, Russian forces continued bombing Ukraine. During the night, they launched 550 missiles, including 539 drones, targeting Kyiv, according to Ukrainian air forces.
Zelensky described the night as “brutal,” with at least one fatality and 26 injuries reported, including a child. Ukrainian authorities confirmed that they neutralized 478 out of the 550 missiles fired by Russian forces, targeting a military airfield and an oil refinery. The attacks sparked numerous fires, particularly in Kyiv, and even damaged Poland’s embassy building, according to Warsaw.
“Absolute Disregard”
Russia’s nighttime attacks have intensified in recent weeks, with June marking a record number of drones and missiles launched against Ukraine amidst stalled direct peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow, as reported by AFP.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sibiga expressed concern over Putin’s “absolute disregard” for the United States and those advocating for an end to the war.
The escalation of attacks has raised alarms, especially after the U.S. announced this week that it would suspend certain weapons shipments to Ukraine, a critical support in repelling bombardments.
Military Advancements and Prisoner Exchange
Despite the attacks, Russia and Ukraine proceeded with a new prisoner exchange on Friday, as part of an agreement reached earlier in June during indirect dialogue in Istanbul.
On the battlefield, Russia claimed to have captured a new location in eastern Ukraine, the town of Predtechin, near the Ukrainian stronghold of Kostiantinivka. In occupied territories, four people died in a Ukrainian attack on Donetsk, according to local authorities installed by Moscow.
