Putin Warns Trump of Retaliation Over Ukraine Drone Strikes
Russia-Ukraine War Deepens: Putin Threatens Retaliation, Trump Pushes for Peace. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned U.S. President Donald Trump that he would be compelled to retaliate following recent Ukrainian drone assaults on Russia’s nuclear-capable bomber fleet and a deadly strike on a key bridge, which Moscow blames on Kyiv.
The Ukraine war has intensified significantly, despite Trump’s continued efforts—ranging from persuasion to threats—aimed at both Russia and Ukraine over the past four months. Trump, who has repeatedly stated his desire for peace, is attempting to mediate an end to what has become Europe’s most devastating conflict since World War II.
Recent Ukrainian operations targeted bridges and strategic bombers stationed deep within Siberia and Russia’s northern territories. Putin, addressing his top officials on Wednesday, declared that such actions prove Ukrainian leadership is not interested in peace.
Following his Moscow meeting, Putin reportedly spoke with Trump for over an hour by phone. Trump later confirmed on social media that their discussion covered Ukraine’s drone strikes on Russian air bases and issues related to Iran.
“We spoke about Ukraine’s attacks on Russia’s parked aircraft and other incidents from both sides,” Trump stated. “It was a productive exchange, though not one that suggests peace is imminent.” Russia-Ukraine War Deepens: Putin Threatens Retaliation, Trump Pushes for Peace
Over the past few weeks, Russia has launched several large-scale airstrikes on Ukrainian targets. Trump mentioned that Putin was particularly adamant about responding to the recent airfield assault, and added that the Russian president might assist in U.S. negotiations with Iran concerning its nuclear ambitions.
Trump said both he and Putin agreed Iran should never obtain a nuclear weapon, accusing Tehran of dragging its feet in diplomatic talks.
Strategic Threats and Nuclear Escalation
Notably, Trump has been quiet on Ukraine’s strikes against Russian bombers, which form a crucial part of Moscow’s nuclear triad—alongside intercontinental ballistic missiles and submarine-launched warheads. Russia has urged both the U.S. and the U.K. to rein in Ukrainian operations, while the Kremlin claimed Trump denied any prior U.S. knowledge of the attacks.
According to Trump’s envoy to Ukraine, the potential for further escalation has significantly increased following these deep-strike incidents.
Together, Russia and the U.S. control approximately 88% of the world’s nuclear arsenal. Any direct hit on one leg of the nuclear triad—bombers, ICBMs, or submarine-launched missiles—signals a major escalation.
Peace or Escalation?
In a sharp rebuke of Ukraine’s tactics, Putin claimed that Ukraine aimed recent bridge attacks at civilians and accused Kyiv’s leadership of functioning as a “terrorist organization,” with international backers he labeled as “terrorist accomplices.”
“The current regime in Kyiv has no interest in peace,” Putin asserted. “What negotiations can we hold with those who rely on terror?”
While Ukraine has remained silent about the bridge incident and denies targeting civilians—an accusation both sides frequently refute—Kyiv has often pointed to Moscow’s reluctance for an immediate ceasefire as evidence of its lack of genuine interest in peace. Russia insists that preconditions must be met before any cessation of hostilities. Russia-Ukraine War Deepens: Putin Threatens Retaliation, Trump Pushes for Peace
Putin made no direct reference to the bomber attacks during his public remarks, which preceded another round of direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul. There, Moscow reiterated what Washington has criticized as “maximalist” demands.
Before Putin’s comments, other senior Russian officials suggested that military options were under consideration. They considered these options as a response to the strikes deep inside Russian territory. They also accused Western nations of indirect involvement.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov called on the U.S. and U.K. to take immediate de-escalation steps. He warned that further Western complicity could worsen the conflict.
Both Washington and London have denied any prior knowledge of Ukraine’s weekend drone attacks on Russian strategic bombers. The White House clarified that officials did not brief Trump on Ukraine’s plans ahead of the incident.