Donald Trump sounded a grim alarm over Putin’s intentions to “continue the killing” following Russia’s most massive drone and missile assault on Ukraine to date.
Flouting the US, the attack occurred merely hours after an unproductive 60-minute phone conversation between Putin and Trump, during which the potential for new American sanctions was mentioned.
Trump fumed on Friday that he was “very unhappy” about the phone call with Putin and ensuing strikes.
He said: “[Putin] wants to go all the way, just keep killing people, it’s no good.”
Trump revealed the two leaders had spoken “a lot” about sanctions, adding: “He understands that it may be coming.”
The Kremlin stated on Friday that it was “preferable” to achieve its invasion objectives through political and diplomatic channels, even as it unleashed a barrage of explosives on Ukraine.
Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov continued: “But as long as that is not possible, we are continuing the special operation.”
Hours after hanging up on Thursday night, Vlad green-lighted the largest volley of missiles and drones since the start of the war.
Fires broke out in multiple locations as almost every district in the capital city was struck, according to Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration.
Dozens of Ukrainians were injured as toxic smoke engulfed the city.
The Svyatoshynskyi and Solomanskyi districts were among the hardest hit, with blazes on rooftops and in courtyards.
Short on air defence systems, Ukraine could only down two of 11 missiles.
Another nine missiles – one Kinzhal [Dagger], two Iskander-K, and six Iskander-M – wreaked havoc in the city.
Trump also spoke to Ukraine’s President Zelensky on Friday – and their chat was much more productive.
The President said: “We talked about different things […] I think it was a very, very strategic call.”
Asked about resuming supplying Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, he said: “Yeah, we might.
“They’re going to need something because they’re being hit pretty hard.”
Zelensky said: “We spoke about opportunities in air defence and agreed that we will work together to strengthen protection of our skies.”
The US Defense Department earlier this week paused deliveries of several critical weapons systems – including Patriot missiles and precision-guided munitions.
Trump has insisted he wants to help Ukraine, but has has not imposed any new sanctions on Russia since taking office.
He also has not approved additional aid packages.
