On the night of May 25, Russia carried out its largest air attack on Ukraine since the beginning of the war, dashing hopes that a record prisoner exchange could lead to an end to hostilities, the Financial Times writes, quoted by FOKUS.
The publication recalls that the Russian Federation launched a total of 367 missiles and drones over Ukraine. At least 12 people were killed and dozens were injured as a result of the attack.
Some Ukrainian officials and Western analysts warn that Russia may be preparing a new large-scale air offensive, timed to coincide with a possible ground attack. The increase in Russian missile and drone attacks over the weekend could be the initial phase of this broader strategy, they emphasize.
"Russia is now producing missiles and drones faster than it uses, accumulating reserves and increasing pressure on Ukraine's stretched defenses," the publication emphasizes.
The Financial Times notes that Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected calls from the United States and Europe for an immediate ceasefire, and so far the only agreement that Moscow has implemented is a "1,000-for-1,000" prisoner exchange. However, Ukrainian authorities are skeptical about the broader significance of the exchange.
At the same time, the FT also recalled how Putin recently announced the creation of a "buffer zone" on the border with Ukraine.
Separately, the publication notes that it has reviewed the document from the office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "Proposed Next Steps for Sanctions for the EU". It outlines dozens of entities and regions in Russia's energy and financial sectors and the military-industrial complex.
Ukrainian officials are urging US President Donald Trump to follow through on his previous threats to impose new tough sanctions on Russia after Putin's refusal to accept a ceasefire. However, according to sources, Trump has told Zelensky and European leaders that he is not ready to do so at the moment.
Russian strike on Ukraine on May 25
The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that on the night of May 25, Russia carried out a combined strike on Ukraine using 367 air attack weapons.
A report by the Air Force states that the Russian Federation used against Ukraine 9 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles, 55 Kh-101 and Kalibr air and sea-based cruise missiles, 1 Kh-22 cruise missile, 4 Kh-59/69 guided air missiles, as well as 298 Shahed attack UAVs. and simulated drones of various types.
Ukrainian air defense has shot down 45 Kh-101 and "Kalibr" cruise missiles, and 266 enemy UAVs have also been neutralized as a result of air defense.
Western countries are negotiating the transfer of additional Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, Reuters reports, quoted by FOKUS, citing a source familiar with the matter.
It is noted that Kiev's allies are seeking to reach an agreement on the provision of air defense systems before the NATO summit, which will be held at the end of June.
An unnamed source of the agency said that among the potential suppliers of these systems are the United States and Greece.
On May 4, The New York Times wrote that the air defense system Patriot will be delivered to Ukraine from Israel, in addition, Kiev's Western allies are discussing sending another system from Germany or Greece.
The publication's interlocutors refused to clarify the point of view of US President Donald Trump on the decision to transfer more Patriots to Ukraine. They also did not comment on when exactly this decision was made - during the administration of former US President Joe Biden or after Trump returned to the White House.
According to the NYT, Ukraine currently has eight Patriot systems, but only six are operational - the other two are under repair. Taking into account the new deliveries, the country may have ten of them.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine was ready to purchase 10 Patriot air defense systems from the United States for $15 billion.
He also announced that he had asked the Trump administration for licenses to produce Patriot systems and missiles for them.
Later, in response, Trump complained that Zelensky "constantly wants to buy missiles" to fight Russia.