Russia launched a massive missile and drone assault on Ukraine Friday, killing at least five civilians and injuring over 70, just hours after President Trump suggested it might be better to let Ukraine and Russia “fight for a while” before seeking peace.
At a Glance
- Russia’s largest aerial assault in months killed at least five and injured over 70 across Ukraine, including Kyiv
- The attack followed Ukraine’s drone strikes on Russian air bases that destroyed several strategic bombers
- President Trump likened the war to “children fighting” and suggested letting it continue before intervening
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called Trump the “key person in the world” to pressure Putin
- The U.S. has allocated over $182 billion in aid to Ukraine since 2022, with $83 billion disbursed so far
Russia Strikes Back After Ukrainian Drone Raids
Early Friday, Russia launched over 450 drones and missiles across Ukraine in its most intense aerial assault since 2023. Explosions rocked Kyiv, damaging metro lines, emergency vehicles, and a major power plant. Fires broke out across multiple residential districts, killing three emergency responders and wounding at least 75 civilians.
Ukrainian officials say the attack was retaliation for recent drone strikes on Russian air bases, where Ukraine successfully destroyed Tu-95 strategic bombers used in previous attacks on civilian areas.
Trump’s “Let Them Fight” Remark Sparks Uproar
During an Oval Office meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, President Trump compared the war to “two children fighting in a park,” arguing it might be better to let the combatants “fight for a while” before pushing for peace. He told Merz he had shared that same analogy with Putin during a recent phone call.
Merz, however, implored Trump to intervene, calling him the “key person in the world” with enough leverage to force Russia to the negotiating table. Trump resisted, stating further sanctions are “still on the table,” but peace efforts should not be rushed.
Critics say the remarks trivialize the war, while allies warn they may embolden Putin and dishearten Ukraine’s Western supporters.
Mounting U.S. Aid and Rising Public Skepticism
Since February 2022, the United States has committed approximately $182.8 billion in aid to Ukraine. Roughly $83.4 billion has already been disbursed, covering everything from military equipment to infrastructure rebuilding and refugee resettlement.
That level of commitment is increasingly contentious, particularly amid domestic concerns over inflation, border security, and the national debt. Trump’s suggestion to “pause” before escalating involvement reflects growing pressure among voters to prioritize U.S. interests.
Watch a report: Trump says it may be better to let Ukraine and Russia ‘fight for a while’.
