A Russian drone strike on the Ukrainian city of Pryluky killed at least five people, including a one-year-old child, his mother, and grandmother. The attack, one of many across several Ukrainian regions, followed a phone call between Presidents Trump and Putin, where Putin reportedly threatened retaliation for recent Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian military bases. This incident, along with continued attacks in Kharkiv and Kherson, highlights the ongoing war of attrition and the lack of progress in U.S.-led peace efforts. Ukraine continues to call for increased international sanctions and stronger air defense capabilities.
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Following a successful Ukrainian drone attack on Russian air bases, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that Ukraine is well-prepared for a potential Russian counteroffensive, though the scope and timing remain uncertain. The attack, targeting long-range bombers used in strikes against Ukraine, reportedly destroyed numerous aircraft, a claim still under verification. This incident has prompted Western military officials to reassess the vulnerability of concentrated high-value assets, such as warplanes on air bases. The Ukrainian operation highlights the potential for even seemingly secure locations to be successfully targeted.
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Following a recent Ukrainian drone strike on Russian airbases, President Putin reportedly plans further retaliatory attacks, despite numerous diplomatic attempts to achieve peace. Zelensky highlighted Russia’s relentless bombardment of Ukraine with tens of thousands of munitions since 2025, emphasizing Russia’s impunity and the need for increased international pressure. He argued that a weak response to Putin’s threats only emboldens further aggression, while strong action demonstrates resolve and accountability. Zelensky underscored the global responsibility to halt Russian attacks and hold Putin accountable for his actions.
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A French Mirage 2000 fighter jet executed a demonstration flight over the Black Sea, tracing the Ukrainian trident emblem in its flight path. This symbolic gesture, visible on flight tracking websites like Flightradar24, showcased international support for Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Force highlighted the action’s significance, emphasizing its value beyond mere symbolism. The display publicly demonstrates the strategic partnership and solidarity between Ukraine and France.
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Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) reported a successful drone attack on four Russian airfields, utilizing AI-enabled drones to overcome signal loss and autonomously strike pre-programmed targets. The operation, codenamed “Spiderweb,” resulted in the damage or destruction of 41 Russian aircraft, significantly impacting Russia’s offensive capabilities and air defense. Drones were covertly transported into Russia and launched from concealed positions near the airbases, showcasing a novel tactic. This attack, described by experts as pioneering, highlights the increasing role of AI in modern warfare and its potential ramifications.
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NATO assesses Ukraine’s Operation Spider’s Web, targeting Russian strategic aviation, as highly successful, with independent calculations indicating damage to at least 40 aircraft, including the complete destruction of 10-13. The operation impacted approximately 34% of Russia’s missile-carrying aircraft, significantly reducing their capacity for strikes, though some damaged planes may serve as parts sources. This demonstrates Ukraine’s capacity to strike deep into Russian territory, affecting critical military assets. Several NATO leaders publicly praised the operation’s effectiveness and Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
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Following a major Ukrainian drone attack on Russian airbases—the largest in modern warfare, involving the destruction of numerous aircraft—Donald Trump held a lengthy phone conversation with Vladimir Putin. Their discussion covered the Ukrainian attack, other retaliatory actions by both sides, and the escalating Iranian nuclear program. While Putin reportedly affirmed the need to respond to the Ukrainian assault, he also expressed agreement with Trump’s stance against Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, suggesting potential involvement in future discussions. Trump indicated that a swift resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue is urgently needed.
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A new CSIS report estimates that Russian military casualties in Ukraine are nearing one million and could surpass that number by summer 2025, contributing to a total of nearly 1.4 million casualties on both sides. These staggering losses, including an estimated 250,000 Russian deaths, highlight President Putin’s disregard for his troops, yet Russia continues its costly, slow-moving offensives. Despite significant equipment losses heavily outweighing Ukraine’s, Russia has only gained less than 1% of Ukrainian territory since January 2024. These figures, compiled from various sources including Western intelligence, underscore the immense human cost of the conflict.
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NATO assesses Ukraine’s Operation Spider’s Web, targeting Russian strategic aircraft, as highly successful, citing damage to at least 40 aircraft, including the near-total destruction of 10-13. This represents a significant reduction, approximately 34%, in Russia’s long-range missile-carrying aircraft capabilities. While some damaged planes may provide parts, the attack severely limits Russia’s capacity for strategic airstrikes. The operation also underscores Ukraine’s ability to strike deep within Russian territory.
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A one-hour, fifteen-minute phone conversation between President Trump and Vladimir Putin covered the recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian airfields, with Putin indicating a forceful response. Both leaders also addressed the Iranian nuclear threat, finding common ground on the need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, and Putin offering potential mediation. Trump described the conversation as productive, despite acknowledging it wouldn’t immediately yield peace. The call follows previous communications between the two leaders and comes amid conflicting assessments from NATO and the White House regarding Ukraine’s recent military actions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker