Russia Targets Civilians: One of Kyiv's Darkest Nights as Putin Pressures Trump

Russia Targets Civilians: One of Kyiv‘s Darkest Nights as Putin Pressures Trump

Glib Ostapenko

KYIV — On the night of June 17, 2025, Russia launched one of the most brutal and large-scale assaults on Ukraine’s capital since the start of the full-scale war.

Confirmed reports indicate the use of over 175 Iranian-made Shahed drones, 14 cruise missiles, and at least two ballistic missiles—one of which carried a cluster warhead. More than 27 separate locations were hit.

In Solomianskyi District, a ballistic missile struck a nine-story residential building, entirely collapsing one entrance section.

Rescue efforts are ongoing. So far, 14 civilians have been confirmed dead, more than 114 were injured, and 68 hospitalized. Two post office branches were destroyed. Energy and transport infrastructure also suffered. A portion of the city remains without power. Cluster munition fragments were found in the Nyvky neighborhood. Over 2,000 emergency personnel have been deployed.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the assault as one of the most destructive attacks on Kyiv to date. Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko and KMVA Head Tymur Tkachenko confirmed that residential buildings were deliberately targeted to cause mass civilian casualties. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed the use of banned cluster munitions.

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The “Diplomacy to Buy Time” Strategy

The June 17 attack is not only a grim act of terror—it is also part of a broader Russian strategy. The Kremlin is pursuing a dual-track approach: destroying Ukrainian cities while pretending to engage in diplomacy. The aim is to wear down U.S. President Donald Trump, destroy his commitment to Ukraine, and ultimately push the U.S. out of its role in sanctions enforcement and military aid.

Leon Aron, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, argues that Putin understands he cannot win militarily. Instead, he prolongs negotiations, issues absurd ultimatums, and unleashes brutality to frustrate Trump and discourage Washington.

Trump: The Pressure Target

Trump is already showing signs of fatigue. Speaking at the G7 Summit in Canada, he stated that the war in Ukraine wouldn’t have happened if Russia had not been expelled from the G8. He blamed Barack Obama and Justin Trudeau, calling the exclusion a “big mistake.” Though historically inaccurate, this rhetoric reflects the Kremlin’s narrative: that the West provoked the war.

This is a dangerous logic that legitimizes Russian aggression, undermines support for Ukraine, and opens the door to Russian manipulation. Zelenskyy has stated bluntly that Putin is lying to Trump, faking diplomatic gestures to avoid sanctions. “Russia is just lying to Trump,” Zelenskyy told Bild, adding that Moscow’s ideal scenario is a long war with no Western involvement.

Western Diplomacy: Between Rhetoric and Resolve

Despite Kremlin maneuvers, Europe remains clear-eyed. German Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Jäger said: “Russia seeks neither ceasefire nor talks. It wants to force Ukraine into surrender.” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte echoed that only strength can stop Putin.

Czech President Petr Pavel advocates for far tougher sanctions, noting that Russia’s economic situation is deteriorating. Zelenskyy has proposed lowering the oil price cap from $60 to $30 per barrel, targeting Russia’s main revenue source.

Kyiv as a Test of the West

After the night of June 17, half-measures are no longer viable. The strikes on Kyiv are not just war crimes—they are psychological warfare. Putin is not merely waging war against Ukraine but trying to break the will of Western leaders through attacks on apartment blocks, hospitals, and power plants.

But Ukraine stands firm. Despite exhaustion, the country remains resolute. That is why a clear and unified Western response is essential—not just words of sympathy, but real pressure—diplomatic, military, and economic.

Because if the West responds to another night like this in Kyiv with only outrage but no action—next time, it may not be Kyiv. And Putin knows it.

Glib Ostapenko | OSTAPENKO, Political Consulting | Founder, Leading Expert | Correspondent , Mahabahu |

17-06-2025

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