Zelenskyy slams "US silence" as Russia launches largest aerial attack yet

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has strongly criticized the United States for staying silent after Russia carried out its biggest air attack since the war began. He believes this lack of action only encourages Russian President Vladimir Putin to continue his aggression.

The overnight assault was massive- Russia launched 367 missiles and drones, targeting cities across Ukraine. The Ukrainian military managed to shoot down many, but the damage was still devastating. At least 12 people died, including three children from one family, and dozens more were injured.

Zelenskyy warned that Russia’s violence won’t stop unless there's stronger global pressure, especially from the U.S. He accused Washington of holding back on new sanctions and claimed that this passive approach allows Russia to keep fueling its war machine.

Despite increasing international outrage, Russia is stepping up its attacks. Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, was hit hard again, just as people were celebrating Kyiv Day. Fires broke out, buildings were destroyed, and residents were left in shock.

In response, the U.S. has shown hesitancy. President Donald Trump prefers negotiation over punishment, saying he believes Putin wants to end the war. However, there’s been little real progress toward peace. Russia even skipped the latest ceasefire talks in Turkey.

While Europe considers more sanctions, the U.S. says it might give up on peace efforts if no progress is made soon.

In the past 48 hours, Russia claimed it hit military targets, but Ukraine says many of the strikes hit civilian areas. Elderly women, children, and families have been among the victims.

Meanwhile, a large prisoner swap took place over the weekend, 1,000 prisoners from each side were exchanged following rare direct talks in Türkiye. Still, after this weekend’s violence, hopes for further cooperation are fading.

Trump and Putin recently spoke for two hours on the phone about a U.S.-proposed ceasefire. Trump claimed it went well, but Putin hasn’t agreed to even a short 30-day pause in fighting. He only mentioned a vague “future peace plan”, offering little reason to be optimistic.

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