Zelensky Warns of Ukraine's Survival Risks Without U.S. Support

On May 24, 2025, a missile and drone strike by Russian forces targeted the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, leaving at least eight people injured, according to local media reports. The city's civil and military administration chief confirmed the attack, which resulted in fires and debris scattered across various areas, causing widespread panic as explosions rocked the city. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that two individuals were hospitalized due to the strikes, with rescue services deployed to manage the aftermath. This incident occurred shortly after an exchange of prisoners took place between Russia and Ukraine, raising concerns about escalating tensions. As the conflict continues, the situation remains critical in Kyiv, with officials urging residents to stay vigilant. International observers are closely monitoring developments, reflecting ongoing global concern about the implications of such attacks. According to AFP, the attacks underscore the fragile state of security in the region, as both nations grapple with the impacts of prolonged hostilities.

On Sunday, Russia conducted its most extensive drone assault on Ukraine since the onset of the war, resulting in the destruction of homes and the death of at least one woman. This attack coincides with U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming discussions regarding a proposed ceasefire with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukraine's intelligence agency cautioned that Russia may also launch an intercontinental ballistic missile as intimidation, a claim yet to be addressed by Moscow. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, aiming to mend relations with Washington after a difficult visit in February, met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome, asserting Ukraine's readiness for "real diplomacy." The meeting lasted 40 minutes, where Zelenskiy emphasized the urgency of a full, unconditional ceasefire. Despite previous talks resulting in a prisoner swap agreement, no truce was reached, as Russia's terms were deemed unacceptable by Ukraine. Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that future sanctions on Russia depend on Trump’s actions during the negotiations.

Ukrainian authorities have identified nearly 16,000 individuals held in a network of 180 prisons across Russian-occupied Ukraine and Russia, including remote regions like Siberia. This alarming statistic highlights the ongoing crisis involving civilians abducted amid the conflict, as reported by Sky News on May 16, 2025. Human rights lawyer and Nobel Prize laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk emphasized the horrifying conditions faced by those in captivity. "Survivors describe being beaten, raped, and subjected to electrical shocks," Matviichuk stated, revealing the extent of torture reported by individuals who managed to escape. Among those missing is Dmytro Khilyuk, who was detained after Russian forces captured territory near Kyiv in March 2022. His mother, Halyna, expressed the anguish of uncertainty, stating, "We've been without our only child for four years now." Fellow detainees who have been released confirm the brutal treatment suffering by Khilyuk and others, raising concerns about their mental and physical well-being. Despite clear violations of international law, including the Geneva Convention, there has been minimal pressure on Russia to stop these abductions or disclose information about the detained civilians.