Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky flies into Washington for Trump meeting to demand more air defences as back home Kyiv celebrates another major and devastating barrage against Moscow
Ukraine has bombarded Moscow with hundreds of drones in a ten hour onslaught, as President Volodymyr Zelensky prepares to meet US President Donald Trump. As many as 390 drones were fired into the Moscow region overnight, with just 81 intercepted, even though debris from the explosion will have caused damage and widespread panic. The attack lasted from 8.30pm last night to dawn this morning as the Ukrainian President drove home confidence that Kyiv is turning around the Russian full-scale invasion.
A logistics warehouse serving several Russian companies in the village of Koledino, 12 miles south of Moscow, was set ablaze in the attack. It is thought the complex is next to a storage facility for the Russian online retail giant Wildberries which has been repeatedly attacked in recent weeks. Kyiv officials blame the attacks on their claims Wildberries – the Russian version of Amazon – is part of a defence supply chain for Kremlin forces.
The company lists a range of military equipment on its website, including drone components and body armor, all of which can be used on the Ukraine frontline. In recent months it is believed Kyiv’s battlefield successes against Moscow’s troops, and attacks inside Russia have drawn favour towards Zelensky from Trump. Zelensky is due to discuss Ukraine’s air defences shortages with Trump as well attending the funeral for late Senator Lyndsey Graham.
The Republican senator was a staunch supporter of Ukraine, and his final act as a public official was to visit Kyiv and secure an agreement on a new Russian sanctions package. President Zelensky posted before his Trump meeting: “I have already arrived in the United States. Our schedule includes meetings with President Trump, his team, and those who can support our defence. Our number-one priority is anti-ballistic defense and strategic cooperation with America. Peace needs to be brought closer. Of course, on behalf of all of Ukraine, we will honor the memory of Senator Lindsey Graham.”
“Together with everyone attending the ceremony in Washington, we will remember his commitment to security and freedom across the transatlantic community and around the world. Thank you to everyone who helps protect lives!” Ukrainian strikes have intensified in recent weeks as missiles and drones hit infrastructure in Russia and the occupied territories day after day.
Ukrainian drones struck neighboring Belgorod and cities in southern Russia overnight on July 27, and 12 people were injured, as a residential building and 15 parked cars were set ablaze. The attacks -often aimed at hitting oil and gas facilities, companies and non-residential buildings are aimed at crippling the Kremlin’s warchest and bringing the war to ordinary people. War in Ukraine is growing increasingly unpopular with Russians who are seeing soaring gas prices, petrol shortages and there is anger against the Kremlin.
Russia has conducted a campaign of missile and drone strikes against Ukrainian citizens, hoping to force plummeting morale and misery on ordinary people. At least 15 people were killed in Russian attacks on Ukraine just days ago. Ten died in ballistic missile strikes on an exhibition near Kyiv showcasing drone technology, whilst five were killed by Russian glide bombs on Sloviansk.
