Putin Threatens Retaliation After Ukraine Strikes Russia

Kyiv suffered a deadly barrage of drone and missile strikes launched by Russia on Friday, resulting in at least three confirmed fatalities. The attack comes amidst escalating tensions and following claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump that Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated a response to what Putin characterized as a Ukrainian covert attack within Russia last weekend. Trump stated Putin warned of retaliation for the incident, which reportedly destroyed dozens of Russian bombers. While details surrounding the Ukrainian operation remain largely unconfirmed, the Kremlin views it as a significant provocation. This latest Russian offensive represents a substantial escalation in hostilities and raises serious concerns about the safety of civilians in Ukraine’s capital and beyond. The timing, following Trump’s disclosure of Putin’s alleged warning, adds a complex layer to the already fraught geopolitical situation, suggesting a calculated response intended to demonstrate Russia’s resolve and potentially signal a willingness to further escalate the conflict. The international community is likely to condemn the attacks and reiterate calls for de-escalation and a peaceful resolution, but the immediate outlook remains grim.