President Donald Trump reportedly thought Ukraine’s June 1 surprise drone attack on Russia’s bomber fleet deep in the country was “badass,” reports Axios.
The president told close aides that he thought the move was “pretty strong” and that he was “impressed” by the actions of the Ukrainians, according to anonymous sources reported by Axios. The strike, which was planned for over 18 months and disabled at least ten aircraft of Russia’s bomber fleet, complicated negotiation
Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly told Trump during a Wednesday phone call that “the attacks put in doubt any ceasefire or leader-level meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky,” according to Axios, adding “Moscow was obligated to respond to Ukraine’s weekend drone attack.”
Trump said that the call was “not a conversation that will lead to immediate Peace,” adding that it was “a good conversation”.
The Ukrainian offensive saw more than 100 Ukrainian drones smuggled into Russia using cargo containers, according to BBC News. The operation, nicknamed “Spider Web” by the Ukrainian Security Force, used remote-controlled detachable roofs that allowed drones to fly and strike their targets, specifically Russian aircraft and airfields, the outlet reported.
The attack comes as both sides struggle to work towards a peace deal, with the most recent talks netting a meager exchange of prisoners, according to Reuters. Trump has spoken to Putin, along with other officials in the past, to end the war, calling the conflict a “bloodbath.”
The run-up to the 2024 election saw Trump touting an end to the conflict as a primary function of his campaign, promising “peace within a day.” Following his inauguration, Trump has had a rocky relationship with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelesnkyy — going as far as to say Ukraine is “pissing away” its aid. In February, an explosive televised meeting saw Trump cancel a signing ceremony for a minerals deal after Vice President J.D. Vance criticized Zelenskyy for not thanking the U.S. for its aid over the course of the war.
A landmark mineral deal was eventually signed between Ukraine and the U.S. as ceasefire negotiations continued.
Reaction to the attack in Russia has been swift and universal, with Fox News commentator Brit Hume stating Ukraine’s attack exposed “embarrassing” weaknesses for Russian forces. Democratic Strategist James Carville defended Zelenskyy’s decision not to tell Trump about the attack beforehand.
The White House did not immediately respond to The Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
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