Russia Launches Missile Strike on Ukraine Days After U.S. Aid Suspension

KYIV, Ukraine — Russia unleashed a large-scale missile attack on Ukraine overnight, firing nearly 70 missiles and almost 200 drones, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday. The assault targeted infrastructure across multiple regions, intensifying pressure on Kyiv as the United States suspended military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.

Zelensky described the attack as “massive” and said it was aimed at infrastructure “that ensures normal life.” In response, he renewed his call for a partial ceasefire, a plan initially proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron. The plan seeks to halt missile, drone, and aerial bomb attacks, as well as ensure safe maritime navigation.

“The first steps toward real peace must include forcing the sole source of this war, Russia, to stop such attacks against life,” Zelensky said, stressing that Ukraine is ready to pursue peace. His appeal came after a tumultuous week in which U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration paused military shipments and intelligence sharing with Kyiv, dealing a significant blow to Ukraine's defenses.

The U.S. decision follows a heated Oval Office meeting between Trump and Zelensky, during which tensions escalated. Despite the setback, American and Ukrainian officials are scheduled to meet in Saudi Arabia next week in an attempt to ease tensions.

Meanwhile, Trump issued a surprising warning to Russia on Friday, threatening large-scale banking sanctions and tariffs unless Moscow agrees to a ceasefire and peace settlement. “To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late,” Trump posted on TruthSocial. However, analysts say the threat of tariffs is unlikely to have a major impact, given the limited trade between the U.S. and Russia.

Ukrainian Defense Strained

Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting 134 projectiles, including 25 cruise missiles and all eight Kalibr missiles, but failed to stop three Iskander ballistic missiles, which travel at five times the speed of sound. The U.S.-made Patriot missile systems, the only effective defense against such threats, were already in short supply before the suspension of U.S. military aid.

French Mirage fighter jets, recently supplied to Ukraine, played a critical role in intercepting some of the cruise missiles, according to Zelensky. However, the suspension of U.S. support could leave millions of civilians exposed to further attacks.

Escalation in Kursk

As the missile strikes targeted Ukrainian cities, fighting also intensified in the Kursk region. Ukrainian forces, who launched an incursion into the area in August, are now struggling to maintain their positions against Russian troops bolstered by 12,000 North Korean soldiers.

Military analysts warn that the loss of key logistical routes could force Ukrainian troops to withdraw from the region. Andriy Tsaplienko, a prominent Ukrainian military blogger, reported that Russian troops are advancing toward critical supply lines.

Strategic Implications

The Institute for the Study of War, a U.S.-based conflict monitor, estimates that Ukraine has about 30,000 troops in the Kursk region, facing around 78,000 Russian and North Korean soldiers. Ukrainian bloggers have begun questioning the strategic value of holding positions in Kursk, suggesting it may be time to pull back.

“As a diversion of enemy resources, I think this operation has long since justified itself,” said Serhii Flesh, a Ukrainian blogger. “As a political bargaining card, it is now questionable.”

With both sides digging in and diplomatic efforts stalled, the prospect of a ceasefire appears remote, leaving Ukraine bracing for further escalation.

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