**Ukraine Braces for More Russian Attacks as World Awaits Trump’s Action**
The world is on edge, waiting for U.S. President Donald Trump to take decisive action against Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine. Over the weekend, Russian forces launched a three-day wave of aerial attacks on Ukraine, firing over 600 drones and dozens of missiles. This unprecedented attack has left many wondering why Trump has yet to take concrete steps to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin into ending the violence.
Ukrainian lawmakers and European officials are calling for stronger measures against Russia, including sanctions. “The Kremlin only understands the language of strength – sanctions, weapons, firm positions, and decisive action,” said Halyna Yanchenko, a lawmaker from Ukraine’s Servant of the People party.
Despite Trump’s rhetoric on social media, condemning Putin’s actions as “absolutely crazy” and warning that he could trigger “the downfall of Russia”, critics say his words are not backed up by concrete actions. The U.S.-led peace process has been ineffective so far, and Ukraine is still waiting for a ceasefire.
The Wall Street Journal reported this week that Trump is considering imposing sanctions on Russia, but it’s unclear when or if these will be implemented. In the meantime, Russia continues to upgrade its military capabilities, including its ballistic missiles, which have become harder to intercept even by advanced air defenses like Patriot systems.
**Sanctions and a Renewed Offense**
Ukraine and European officials believe that sanctions are the only way to end the war at this stage. The pressure on Russia has not been sufficient, and it’s clear that Moscow is gearing up for a renewed offensive.
“We have warned about the threat of a new major Russian offensive targeting Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv and Sumy oblasts this spring and summer,” said Kyiv officials. The events over the weekend only served to reinforce this warning.
Kremlin officials have given up any pretence of being interested in negotiations with Ukraine, or in a ceasefire. “We don’t want this anymore,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was quoted as saying.
**The Road Ahead**
As Ukraine faces an uncertain future, European capitals are calling for stronger action against Russia. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsakhna said that the war will only end when Russia faces strong pressure and is deprived of the resources needed to continue its aggression.
Finland’s Ambassador to Ukraine Tarja Fernández echoed this sentiment, saying that nothing has changed in Moscow despite Trump’s efforts to broker a peace. France’s Senator Helene Conway-Moure added that Europe must show unity and step up sanctions to put an end to Russia’s war economy.
**A Glimmer of Hope?**
There was a glimmer of hope this week when German Chancellor Friedrich Merz hinted at developments in long-range missiles supplied by Western nations. However, even this came with caveats, leaving many wondering if Ukraine will ever receive the support it needs to defend itself against Russia’s aggression.
As Ukraine waits for Trump to take decisive action, one thing is clear: the war will not end until Russia faces strong pressure and sanctions from the international community.
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