Russia escalates Ukraine war despite Trump's diplomacy efforts

Russia launched its largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the war began, targeting Kyiv with waves of drone and missile attacks that injured at least 23 people and caused significant damage. The attack occurred on the same day as a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggesting the timing was a deliberate signal that Moscow has no intention of ending the war. The US has paused some military aid shipments to Ukraine, citing concerns over its own military stockpiles. Russia's escalation coincides with a renewed push to capture more Ukrainian land, and Ukrainian officials are exploring ways to boost their domestic arms industry. Trump's call with Putin yielded no progress on a deal to end the fighting, with Putin's adviser stating that Russia will continue to pursue its goals in Ukraine.

Kyiv was hit by a massive drone strike from Russia, killing one person and injuring 26 others, as Ukraine's air force reported a record 539 drones and 11 missiles launched. The strikes came after a call between US President Donald Trump and Russia's Vladimir Putin, in which Trump expressed disappointment that Putin was not willing to end the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strikes, calling them "demonstratively significant and cynical" and urged international allies to increase pressure on Moscow. The strikes damaged infrastructure, schools, and buildings across Kyiv, with Poland's consulate also being hit. Russia's defence ministry claimed the strikes were in response to "terrorist acts of the Kyiv regime".

Three European intelligence services, including two Dutch agencies and the German intelligence service, have found that Russia is increasingly using banned chemical weapons in Ukraine, including the World War I-era poison gas chloropicrin, and that such use has become "standardized and commonplace." The Russian military reportedly uses these chemicals against Ukrainian soldiers in trenches, forcing them out into the open where they are then shot. Russia has denied using chemical weapons, despite Ukraine reporting 9,000 chemical weapons attacks since 2022, and the US State Department also recording the use of chloropicrin against Ukrainian troops.

Kyiv was hit by a record drone attack just moments after a phone call between Trump and Putin, with Ukrainian officials finding remnants of a Chinese-made combat drone among the wreckage, amid stalled US aid.

Democratic Rep. Eugene Vindman has expressed outrage over the Pentagon's decision to pause shipments of critical weapons, including Patriot missiles and artillery, to Ukraine, saying it puts Ukrainian lives and territory at risk. The halt was driven by a review of U.S. munitions stockpiles, which showed dangerously low reserves, and was made to prioritize America's interests. Vindman, an Army veteran, stated that the Ukrainian people are fighting against Putin's invasion and that the U.S. must ensure they have what they need to fight for freedom.

Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed that Russia "will not back down" from its war goals in Ukraine despite a direct call with US President Donald Trump, according to a readout released by the Kremlin. Putin's statement comes two days after the US paused some military arms shipments to Ukraine, a move that security experts warn could embolden Putin's war ambitions. The call between the two leaders also touched on the conflict in the Middle East, particularly regarding Iran and its nuclear program.

A top Russian Navy commander, Major General Mikhail Gudkov, was killed during combat operations in the Kursk region bordering Ukraine, Russia's military announced. Gudkov, 42, was deputy commander of Russia's Navy and had been appointed to his position by President Vladimir Putin in March. Unofficial Russian and Ukrainian military channels suggested he was killed in a Ukrainian missile attack, although the exact circumstances are unclear. Gudkov had previously been accused of war crimes, including executing and beheading prisoners of war, and was a senior military official who oversaw the Russian navy's coastal and land forces.

Russia has become the first country to formally recognize the Taliban's government in Afghanistan since they seized power in 2021, after removing the group from its list of outlawed organizations. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced it had received credentials from Afghanistan's newly appointed Ambassador, and stated that the recognition will foster "productive bilateral cooperation." China welcomed the move, saying it has always believed Afghanistan should not be excluded from the international community. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the decision is a "good example for other countries" to follow. However, former Taliban officials and Afghan exiles criticized the recognition, stating it will not bring real relief to Afghanistan and that only the US and its allies can do so. Russia's recognition is seen as a strategic move, potentially to access Afghanistan's rare earth minerals, and has been criticized for legitimizing a regime with a poor human rights record.

Russia has become the first country to formally recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan, sparking outrage from opposition figures. The Taliban took power in 2021 and has implemented a version of Sharia law with severe restrictions on women and girls. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi hopes the recognition will serve as an example to other countries. However, critics argue it will legitimise the Taliban's authoritarian and anti-women regime. Russia's foreign ministry sees potential for commercial and economic co-operation with Afghanistan. The decision is seen as a significant milestone for the Taliban, and others may follow Russia's lead.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order lifting most US sanctions on Syria, a move experts say reflects growing recognition inside the administration that Syria may now offer the US a rare opportunity to reclaim regional leverage, counter enemies, and support allies like Israel and Jordan. The sanctions relief is seen as a chance for Syria to succeed and stabilize, after taking steps the US has long demanded, such as allowing inspections and cooperating on counterterrorism. Experts believe a stable Syria would be less fertile ground for ISIS or Iranian influence, and Trump's move is part of a broader strategy to coalesce Sunni Arab states against Iran. The US is also hoping Syria will join the Abraham Accords and normalize ties with Israel in return for sanctions relief, although this remains politically fraught.

A senior Iranian official told Sky News that despite recent attacks by the US and Israel, there are ongoing back-channel efforts to restart diplomatic talks with the US. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman said the US must show a genuine desire for peace and that diplomacy is not being used as a tool for deception. The US wants Iran to give up nuclear enrichment, while Iran insists it has the right to continue. President Trump said he is ready to talk to Iran, but major stumbling blocks need to be overcome.