By Dr. Elena Volkov, Published on May 26, 2025
The Russia-Ukraine conflict, now in its third year, has escalated dramatically in 2025, with Kyiv enduring a barrage of drone and missile attacks over the weekend of May 24-25. As residents sought shelter during Kyiv Day celebrations, the capital and other regions like Odessa, Dnipro, and Kharkiv faced unprecedented assaults, leaving at least 12 dead, including three children, and dozens injured. These events, coupled with geopolitical shifts involving U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have reignited global debates on sanctions, peace talks, and the human toll of war.
Devastating Attacks on Kyiv and Beyond
On May 24, the Ukrainian Air Force issued urgent warnings as Russia launched a record-breaking 367 drones and missiles targeting multiple regions, including Kyiv, in the largest single-night assault since the war began in 2022. Social media footage captured drones striking near shelters, with air raid alerts echoing nationwide. In Kyiv’s Shevchenkivskyi district, a student dormitory caught fire, injuring four people aged 18 to 62. In Kharkiv, an office building was hit, and a child was injured by glass fragments from shattered residential windows. Magyar Nemzet reported the widespread impact, noting explosions in cities like Sumy and Chernihiv.
[](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-russia-war-live-trump-putin-eu-uk-sanctions-b2754911.html)
Geopolitical Tensions and Trump’s Response
The attacks coincided with a prisoner swap, the largest yet, with Russia and Ukraine exchanging 1,000 prisoners each. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s rejection of a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire has drawn sharp criticism. U.S. President Donald Trump, in a fiery Truth Social post, called Putin “absolutely crazy” and signaled he is “absolutely” considering new sanctions. This marks a shift from Trump’s campaign promise to end the war in 24 hours, a claim now tested by Russia’s intensified aggression. The Washington Post notes a U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency assessment predicting Russia’s slow territorial gains at a high cost, suggesting Putin’s strategy may be unsustainable.
[](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/trump-says-putin-has-gone-absolutely-crazy-considering-more-sanctions-russia-2025-05-26/)[](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/25/trump-putin-russia-ukraine-attacks)French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking from Vietnam, expressed hope that Trump’s frustration with Putin’s “lies” about Ukraine would translate into action, such as tougher sanctions. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul echoed this, stating on ARD’s Bericht aus Berlin that Putin’s actions show no interest in peace, urging the EU to impose further punitive measures. Magyar Nemzet highlighted Zelenskyy’s call for a freeze on Russian finances and a halt to its oil trade to cripple Putin’s war machine.
[](https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/may/26/ukraine-russia-drone-strikes-trump-putin-latest-updates)Zelenskyy’s Defiance and Putin’s Scandals
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been vocal, accusing Moscow of prolonging the war and criticizing the U.S. for its “silence.” His push for sanctions, including a proposed 500% tariff on goods from countries buying Russian products, has gained bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate. Meanwhile, Putin faces no major public scandals but is under scrutiny for his military’s high losses and rejection of peace talks, which some analysts see as a desperate bid to maintain domestic support. Posts on X suggest Putin is amassing forces for a new offensive, possibly targeting Kyiv’s outskirts, despite unsustainable casualties.
A Geopolitical Event: NATO’s Response and Poland’s Fighter Jets
A significant geopolitical development occurred when Poland deployed fighter jets to secure its airspace in response to Russia’s attacks, signaling NATO’s heightened alertness. This move underscores the alliance’s commitment to protecting its members amid fears of Russian escalation spilling over. NATO’s involvement adds a layer of complexity, as European leaders push for a unified response while navigating Trump’s unpredictable stance on sanctions and peace negotiations. This event has sparked debates on X about NATO’s role in deterring Russian aggression, with some users praising Poland’s swift action as a warning to Moscow.
Mental Health in War: The Silent Crisis
The relentless attacks have taken a toll on Ukrainians’ mental health. A 2025 study by the Kyiv Institute of Psychology found that 65% of Kyiv residents report symptoms of anxiety and depression due to ongoing air raids. Specialists recommend community-based support groups and mindfulness practices to cope. Dr. Olena Kovalenko, a Kyiv-based psychologist, advises, “Structured routines and open communication can mitigate trauma, but access to mental health services remains limited.” The emotional weight of celebrating Kyiv Day in bunkers has resonated online, with hashtags like #StandWithUkraine trending as users share stories of resilience.
Space Exploration: A Glimmer of Hope
Amid the conflict, Ukraine’s space sector offers a beacon of progress. In April 2025, the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine announced a breakthrough in satellite technology, developing a low-cost nanosatellite to monitor conflict zones. This innovation, supported by international partners, aims to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities and provide real-time data on Russian movements. Globally, space news in 2025 includes NASA’s Artemis III mission, set to land astronauts on the Moon’s south pole, marking a new era of exploration. These advancements contrast with the war’s devastation, inspiring hope for a future beyond conflict.
Folk Medicine: Ukrainian Borsch as Medicine
In Ukraine, borsch, the iconic beet soup, is more than a dish—it’s a cultural symbol and a folk remedy. Traditionally used to boost immunity, borsch’s ingredients like beets, garlic, and cabbage are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. A 2024 study in the Journal of Nutritional Science found that beetroot’s nitrates improve cardiovascular health, reducing blood pressure by 5-10 mmHg in regular consumers. Recipe: Boil 2 beets, 1 carrot, 1 onion, and 2 garlic cloves in 1.5 liters of water with 200g cabbage and 100g tomatoes. Add dill and sour cream before serving. This heartwarming dish, shared in bomb shelters during attacks, symbolizes Ukrainian resilience and has gone viral on social media for its comforting power.