**US President Donald Trump Expresses Disappointment with Russian Leader Vladimir Putin**
In a press conference, US President Donald Trump expressed his disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin following their phone call on July 3. During the conversation, the two leaders discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Trump told reporters that he “didn’t make any progress” and accused Putin of showing no willingness to stop the fighting. He also mentioned that he is planning to talk to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on July 4. This conversation was marked by a stark contrast between Trump’s tone and Putin’s stance, with Putin reiterating Russia’s commitment to pursuing its goals in Ukraine.
**Ukraine Suffered Heavy Aerial Assault**
The phone call took place just hours before one of the largest Russian aerial assaults on Ukraine in recent months. According to Zelensky, air raid sirens began sounding across Ukraine almost simultaneously with media reports about the Trump-Putin call. Overnight on July 4, Russian forces launched more than 550 aerial weapons, including over 330 Iranian-type Shahed drones and multiple types of missiles, across Ukraine, with Kyiv as the main target.
At least 23 people were injured in the capital, where fires broke out in multiple districts and air pollution reached dangerous levels. Zelensky renewed calls for increased military assistance from Ukraine’s partners, especially the delivery of US-made Patriot missile systems.
**Zelensky Calls for Increased Military Assistance**
Ukrainian officials have warned that delays in delivering critical munitions, such as Patriot systems, threaten to embolden Russia and intensify attacks on civilians. Despite these urgent appeals, the US Defense Department has paused shipments of Patriot systems and other key munitions, citing the need to replenish domestic stockpiles.
The latest UN figures show a threefold jump in the number of deaths and injuries for children over the three months ending in May. This alarming trend highlights the dire situation on the ground and emphasizes the importance of continued international support.
**China’s Influence in Ukraine**
Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi reportedly told the EU’s top diplomat that Beijing cannot afford to see Russia lose the war in Ukraine. According to sources familiar with the conversation, this stance is driven by fears that if Russia loses, the US will shift its focus towards China.
The situation on the ground remains dire, with ongoing attacks and a shortage of critical military equipment. The international community must continue to support Ukraine’s efforts to defend itself against Russian aggression.
**Analysis**
Donald Trump’s expression of disappointment with Vladimir Putin is a significant development in this ongoing conflict. However, it remains unclear what concrete steps the US will take to address Russia’s actions or support Ukraine’s military efforts. As the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate, international pressure and support for Ukraine are more crucial than ever.
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