President Donald Trump campaigned on a promise to end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours once in office. However, new developments and a series of back-and-forth drone attacks between Russia and Ukraine serve as signs fighting isn’t slowing down.
Ukraine’s military launched drones into Russia Friday, Jan. 24, hitting oil facilities in Ryazan and a microelectronics production plant in Bryansk.
The attacks are the latest in Ukraine’s effort to disrupt the Russian military and put pressure on the country’s economy by striking the oil industry, which is Moscow’s main source of revenue.
Russian drones also attacked Ukraine on Friday, killing three people in separate locations near Kyiv, while also damaging multiple buildings.
How is Ukrainian President Zelenskyy responding?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted a video to X showing the rescue efforts with a message saying he was grateful to every leader and every country exerting pressure on Russia to bring this “unprovoked and terrorist war to an end.”
All night long, rescue operations continued in the Kyiv region following a Shahed drone attack. Residential buildings were damaged in Brovary and Hlevakha. Tragically, three people lost their lives. My condolences to their families and loved ones.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 24, 2025
There are also wounded who are… pic.twitter.com/4cluCF9B2B
What is President Trump saying about the war now?
The attacks come as President Trump says Zelenskyy shares the blame for the start of the war.
“You know he’s no angel,” Trump told Fox News about Zelenskyy. “He shouldn’t have allowed this war to happen.”
Trump also mentioned Russian President Vladimir Putin this week in a post on Truth Social.
“I’m going to do Russia, whose economy is failing, and President Putin, a very big favor. Settle now, and stop this ridiculous war! It’s only going to get worse,” Trump said.
Trump said he is ready to meet with Putin as soon as possible, giving an ultimatum that if the war doesn’t end he will put higher taxes, tariffs and sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the United States.
