Six people were killed in Russian airstrikes on Ukraine as Moscow intensified its attacks. Meanwhile, the Kremlin denied reports of a recent phone call between President-elect Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, where Trump allegedly warned against further escalation in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov labeled the report as “completely false,” dismissing claims that such a conversation took place. This denial comes amid heightened military activity and continued heavy losses on both sides of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Russian airstrikes in Ukraine have killed at least six people and injured 21. Five deaths occurred in Mykolaiv and one in Zaporizhzhia. Additionally, a missile strike on an apartment building in Kryvyi Rih injured seven people, including two children, according to President Zelensky.
Russia claims to have destroyed 13 Ukrainian drones near Kursk and Belgorod, with no reported casualties. Ukrainian President Zelensky condemned the attack, describing it as ongoing terror targeting civilians. He criticized Russia’s actions as undermining any diplomatic efforts and called for more weapons and stronger global support to counter Russian aggression.
On Saturday, both Russia and Ukraine launched their largest drone attacks since the war began. Russia’s defense ministry intercepted 84 Ukrainian drones, some near Moscow, causing flight diversions at three major airports. Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 145 drones, most of which were shot down. The attacks followed reports that US president-elect Donald Trump had urged Russian President Putin not to escalate the conflict, though the Kremlin denied the conversation took place.
Donald Trump has spoken with Ukrainian President Zelensky since his election win, with the conversation lasting about half an hour. Zelensky has warned that Ukraine would lose the war without US aid and opposed conceding land to Russia. Trump has promised to end the conflict but has not revealed his plan. While Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed optimism about the incoming US administration, others believe Trump will not abandon Ukraine.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey expressed confidence that the US will continue supporting Ukraine alongside allies like the UK until it prevails over Putin’s invasion. Meanwhile, reports indicate Russian advances in Ukraine, with Moscow’s Defense Ministry announcing the capture of the village of Kolisnykivka in the Kharkiv region. Russian forces reportedly made their largest territorial gains in October since March 2022, according to analysis by the Institute for the Study of War.
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate, with both sides launching large-scale drone attacks. Ukraine relies heavily on international support, particularly from the US, to counter Russian aggression. While Ukrainian President Zelensky urges for more aid, US president-elect Donald Trump has yet to reveal his approach to resolving the war. Meanwhile, Russia makes territorial gains, with its forces advancing in eastern Ukraine. The UK and other allies remain committed to supporting Ukraine, but uncertainty surrounds future US involvement. The situation remains tense, with no clear end in sight.
