Ukraine’s 1,000-Drone Strike on Russia Collides With U.S. Diplomatic Rift

Ukraine launched over 1,000 drones at targets across Russia over the weekend, setting energy facilities ablaze in St. Petersburg, while diplomatic tensions between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump complicate Kyiv's warfighting efforts. Zelenskyy faces a difficult war of persuasion in Washington, with Trump defending sanctions relief on Russian diesel and duties, drawing bipartisan criticism. Zelenskyy called the decision "wrong" and said Ukraine cannot prevail if the U.S. sides with Russia, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned him to "be careful" about unsubstantiated claims. Zelenskyy also alleged Washington restricts Ukraine's Starlink and Starshield networks, though U.S. officials denied this. An "energy ceasefire" saw Russia continue hitting Ukrainian infrastructure, while oil prices remain elevated with Brent near $107.82.