President Donald Trump has called Russia’s latest military offensive against Ukraine "disgusting" and warned that new U.S. sanctions are imminent if Moscow does not end hostilities by the end of next week.
“Russia – I think it’s disgusting what they’re doing,” Trump said Thursday, reacting to Russian drone and missile strikes that killed at least 31 people, including five children, in Kyiv.
“We’re going to put sanctions. I don’t know that sanctions bother [Putin],” Trump added.
Trump’s comments follow the deadliest wave of aerial strikes Ukraine has seen in weeks. Over 3,800 drones and 260 missiles were reportedly launched by Russian forces in July 2025 alone, targeting critical infrastructure and civilian centers.
Trump Threatens Secondary Sanctions:
New U.S. economic sanctions
Secondary tariffs on Russian trade partners like China and India
International pressure campaigns aimed at diplomatic isolation
The U.S. president has also dispatched special envoy Steve Witkoff—currently in the Middle East—to Moscow in an attempt to salvage diplomacy. Witkoff has previously met with President Putin on multiple occasions.
Zelenskyy Urges ‘Regime Change’ in Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to the attacks with a renewed call for international pressure, going as far as to advocate for regime change in Moscow.
“If the world doesn’t aim to change the regime in Russia, Moscow will continue destabilizing other countries—even after this war ends,” Zelenskyy said during a virtual address commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Accords.
Zelenskyy is pushing for peace talks with Putin by the end of August, but the Kremlin continues to insist on its own conditions for a "lasting and stable peace."
Germany to Supply More Air Defense to Ukraine
In response to the intensifying air assaults, Germany announced it will deliver two additional Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, with further supplies expected in the coming months. This follows a joint agreement with the United States aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Trump has set a hard deadline for Russia to stop its military aggression in Ukraine.
✅ Zelenskyy is calling for regime change as a solution to long-term regional instability.
✅ Russia’s July attacks were among the deadliest, killing 31 in Kyiv and involving thousands of drones.
✅ U.S. diplomacy ramps up, with special envoy Steve Witkoff heading to Moscow.
✅ Germany steps up military aid, signaling broader NATO involvement in Ukrainian defense.
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