Ukraine reports that Russia unleashed its largest drone attack since the war began, sending close to 500 drones across the country. Meanwhile, the Kremlin is sending mixed signals—escalating attacks while also claiming it's open to negotiating prisoner swaps.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just another headline in a long war—it signals a dangerous escalation in tactics, with Russia doubling down on drone warfare to overwhelm Ukraine's defenses. The prisoner exchange talk might seem like a small olive branch, but it’s happening against the backdrop of intensified strikes, making it hard to take at face value. For Ukraine, this means more strain on air defenses and civilian infrastructure; for the world, it’s a reminder that this war is far from winding down.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy isn’t mincing words—he’s calling out the U.S. as the key player capable of forcing Russia to back down. According to him, without serious pressure from Washington, Putin won’t stop pushing for Ukraine’s "total defeat." It’s a stark reminder of how much hinges on American involvement in this grueling war.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another diplomatic soundbite—Zelenskyy’s framing the war as a test of U.S. resolve. If America doesn’t step up its pressure, Ukraine’s survival could be at risk. For global leaders and citizens alike, it’s a sobering reality check: the war’s trajectory might depend less on battlefield wins and more on backroom power plays.