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Zelensky-Trump, 40-minute phone call: agreement on strengthening Ukrainian air defence

After the most massive Russian attack since the start of the war, the Ukrainian president has agreed with Donald Trump on a plan to strengthen airspace protection. The Kremlin talks to Trump and calls for new negotiations

An intense telephone conversation lasting about 40 minutes took place today between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump. The focus of the conversation was the escalation of Russian attacks on Ukraine and the need to strengthen Kiev’s air defence. Zelensky called the phone call “very important and significant”, while the Axios portal described it as a “good conversation”.

According to sources close to the US administration, Trump expressed his willingness to help Ukraine in the area of air defence and pledged to check which military systems or supplies are currently blocked. The two leaders also agreed to a meeting between their respective aides to discuss military supplies in more detail.

The Kremlin: ‘A political agreement is needed, but we are continuing the military operation’
Vladimir Putin also had a conversation with Trump, according to the Kremlin. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stressed that Russia remains interested in a political solution, but that at the moment it is ‘impossible to achieve its objectives’ through diplomatic channels. In the absence of an agreement, the ‘special military operation’ will continue. Peskov confirmed that Moscow is awaiting a date for a third round of direct talks, following those already held in Istanbul.

The most massive Russian attack since the start of the war
The phone call between Trump and Zelensky comes in the wake of what Kiev has called the most massive Russian attack since the start of the war. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that 550 drones and missiles were launched from Moscow starting at 6 p.m. local time yesterday, of which 268 were shot down and 210 neutralised by electronic countermeasures. Eight missiles and drones struck Ukrainian territory, causing damage in at least 33 different areas.

Specifically, Russia used 330 Iranian Shahed drones, Kinzhal and Iskander-M ballistic missiles, as well as Iskander-K cruise missiles. Some drones, according to Ukrainian authorities, were built with Chinese components, as evidenced by recovered fragments.

The involvement of other actors: Iranian weapons, Chinese drones and North Korean troops
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha posted photos of the debris on X, stating that “there is no better metaphor to describe Russia’s expansionist war”, which also involves supplies and technologies from China, Iran and North Korea. Ironically, Sybiha added, the Chinese consulate building in Odessa was damaged by Russian attacks.

New prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine
The Russian Defence Ministry also announced today a new prisoner exchange with Ukraine, based on agreements reached in Istanbul on 2 June. Details on the number of prisoners exchanged have not been disclosed.

Finally, Moscow claimed to have captured five villages in the Donetsk region, including Predtechine, in the last 24 hours. The information cannot be independently verified.

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