NATO scrambled fighter jets overnight as Russian forces bombarded Ukrainian cities with missiles and drones, turning areas like Kremenchuk into smoke-filled disaster zones.
As reported by Daily Mail Online, the attacks featured Tu-95MS strategic bombers launching cruise missiles from over the Caspian Sea, part of a barrage that included 270 Shahed drones and came mere hours after President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for talks on ending the war.
The strikes caused at least ten explosions in Kremenchuk and 30 across the Poltava region, damaging energy facilities and leaving thousands without electricity. Local alerts warned residents to close windows amid thick smoke, describing the assault as one of the most intense this month.
Russian Aggression Triggers NATO Response
Polish military headquarters issued a statement noting the activation of all necessary procedures to secure airspace, with ground-based air defenses and radar systems on highest alert. Allied aircraft joined the operation as a preventive measure to protect areas near the conflict, particularly those adjacent to Ukraine's borders.
The Russian offensive involved ballistic and cruise missiles targeting civilian infrastructure, including administrative buildings in the energy sector within Kremenchuk and Lubny districts. Emergency services rushed to address the fallout, where 1,471 residential and 119 legal subscribers lost power due to hits and falling debris.
Additional attacks hit Chernihiv with drones and Dnipropetrovsk, damaging an apartment building and a school. Ukrainian defenses managed to intercept 230 Shahed drones, two Iskander-M ballistic missiles, and four Kh-101 cruise missiles from the total unleashed.
Trump Initiates Push for High-Level Talks
President Trump shared on Truth Social details of his 40-minute phone call with Vladimir Putin, where he began arranging a potential meeting between Putin and Zelensky at a yet-to-be-determined site. He outlined plans for this to lead into a trilateral discussion including himself, with an aim to advance by the end of August.
At the White House summit, Zelensky thanked Trump 11 times in four-and-a-half minutes, while Trump committed to providing U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine post-conflict. The session included input from European leaders like Sir Keir Starmer, all focused on finding a path to end the hostilities.
Despite Putin's expressed interest in peace during the call, the overnight deployment of five Tu-95MS bombers for strikes on targets like gas storage in Poltava fueled skepticism. The attacks appeared designed to cripple Ukraine's infrastructure, contrasting sharply with the diplomatic overtures.
Kremlin Aide Tempers Expectations on Negotiations
Yury Ushakov, Putin's foreign affairs advisor, characterized the Trump conversation as frank and constructive, with both leaders agreeing to ongoing direct contact on Ukraine and other issues. He highlighted Putin's appreciation for Trump's personal role in seeking a lasting resolution but emphasized that any elevation of delegation levels would only be studied as a possibility.
Ushakov referenced prior talks in Istanbul, suggesting future sessions might involve more senior representatives without specifying Putin's personal participation. This cautious stance differed from Trump's announcement of imminent leader-level meetings.
In response to the Russian barrage, Ukraine targeted the Lukoil refinery in Volgograd, setting it ablaze and disrupting a key supplier for Russia's military. Local reports noted over 15 explosions, with a downed drone striking the roof of City Hospital No. 16, while Russian defenses claimed to have neutralized 13 drones.
Doubts Linger Amid Ongoing Hostilities
Vladimir Putin, Russia's president, directed the intense overnight strikes using strategic bombers and drones against Ukrainian cities, following his phone discussion with Trump where he indicated support for negotiations. The assaults, which damaged energy sites in Poltava and beyond, occurred across central Ukraine, motivated by Moscow's aim to pressure Kyiv amid the invasion that began years ago.
Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's leader, engaged in the White House talks to secure commitments, repeatedly expressing appreciation to Trump while highlighting the need for strong post-war protections. These events transpired near NATO territories, prompting jet scrambles, and stem from territorial conflicts that have drawn international involvement.
Prospects for peace may involve studying higher-level talks as Ushakov mentioned, potentially culminating in a meeting by August's end, though mutual strikes like the Volgograd incident indicate sustained military engagement. Further communications among Trump, Putin, and Zelensky are expected to address what concrete steps could follow to de-escalate the situation.
