Russia Launches Record Drone Attack After Trump Criticizes Putin

Russia Launches Record Drone Attack After Trump Criticizes Putin
Above: Ukrainian air defenses deploy against Russian drones during a night strike in Kyiv on July 9, 2025. Image copyright: Sergei Supinksy/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

After chummying up to Putin and trying to get him to end his invasion with kindness, Trump finally realizes that there's no playing nice with the Russian leader and that he only responds to force. Thankfully, Trump is getting serious about providing Ukraine with the weapons it needs and is also considering sanctions.

Pro-Ukraine narrative

Instead of pursuing peace, Russia's latest record-setting attack gives a more accurate reflection of where its true intentions lie. It is only interested in inflicting terror on Ukraine — this underscores why further sanctions should placed on Moscow, while reiterating Ukraine's need for additional air-defense missiles from its allies.

Pro-Russia narrative

The U.S. talks about achieving peace but takes actions that only work to drive the situation in the opposite direction. Providing Ukraine with additional weapons will not facilitate a diplomatic solution to the conflict and makes such a resolution less likely.

Metaculus Prediction



The Controversies



Go Deeper


Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO