logo
ENع
Putin Warns Trump of Response to Ukraine Drone Strikes

Putin Warns Trump of Response to Ukraine Drone Strikes

Yahoo2 days ago

US President Donald Trump says his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, warned him "very strongly" of Russia's intention to respond to Ukraine's drone attack, which struck dozens of long-range bomber aircraft across Russian regions over the weekend.
In a post on Truth Social on June 4, Trump described his latest phone call with Putin as a "good conversation," though he noted it was not the kind of conversation that would lead to immediate peace.
According to Trump, the call lasted 75 minutes, and Ukraine's surprise drone attack, carried out by Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) on June 1, was one of the topics discussed.
"We discussed the attack on Russia's docked airplanes by Ukraine, and also various other attacks that have been taking place by both sides," Trump said.
"Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields," he added.
Earlier, the SBU claimed that more than 40 bombers were hit in the attack, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described as "absolutely brilliant," noting that the operation had taken more than 18 months to prepare.
Through the analysis of videos and satellite images, RFE/RL was able to independently verify that at least 11 Russian strategic bombers were destroyed.
Following the phone call, Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov told the state-run TASS news agency that Trump had informed Putin the United States was not notified by Ukraine about its plans for the drone attack.
When asked if Russia would respond to the attack, Ushakov said, "the issue was discussed" but gave no further details.
Robert Pszczel, an independent security policy expert, told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service that he has no doubt Russia would conduct more attacks on Ukraine.
However, Pszczel also suggested it was difficult to imagine what new level of brutality Russia might reach after previous attacks on Ukraine's civilian and energy infrastructure.
Ushakov also added that Putin briefed Trump on the second round of direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, which took place in Istanbul on June 2, a day after the drone attack. He said Putin called the talks "useful" and expressed hope that they would continue.
Earlier in the day, speaking at a government meeting, Putin effectively dismissed Zelenskyy's proposals for a lasting cease-fire and a potential leaders' summit.
Putin accused Kyiv of coordinating deadly "terrorist attacks" on bridges in border regions over the weekend -- an issue that, according to Ushakov, was also discussed during the phone call with Trump.
"The Kyiv regime does not need peace at all," Putin said at the meeting. "What is there to talk about?"
During his visit to the United States, Zelenskyy's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, responded to Putin's remarks by noting Ukraine had once handed its strategic bombers to Russia in exchange for security guarantees.
Now Ukraine has struck part of Russia's strategic aviation in an "act of retaliation," Yermak said.
Earlier, Zelenskyy added the attack would never have happened if a cease-fire had been implemented.
In the United States, Yermak met with US Secretary Marco Rubio and members of US Congress. Following the talks, he called for a new package of US sanctions and emphasized that pressure remains the only tool to influence Russia's actions.
At the same time, the US Embassy in Kyiv warned its citizens of an ongoing risk of "significant air attacks" and urged caution.
Serhiy Lysak, governor of Ukraine's southeastern Dnipropetrovsk region, reported that a Russian drone attack on Nikopol killed a woman and injured five other people.
"She was 45 years old. The doctors fought for her life until the very end, but her injuries were too severe," Lysak wrote on Telegram of the victim.
According to Ukrainian authorities, 54 more people were also injured in Marhanets in the Zaporizhzhya region as a result of an FPV drone attack. Among them was an 83-year-old woman.
By RFE/RL
More Top Reads From Oilprice.comRead this article on OilPrice.com

Hashtags

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

4 Social Security changes Washington could make to prevent benefit cuts
4 Social Security changes Washington could make to prevent benefit cuts

USA Today

time16 minutes ago

  • USA Today

4 Social Security changes Washington could make to prevent benefit cuts

4 Social Security changes Washington could make to prevent benefit cuts Show Caption Hide Caption Biden criticizes Trump administration's handling of Social Security Social Security overhaul sparks criticism from Biden over service disruptions, layoffs and automation as Trump defends changes as efficiency. Straight Arrow News Social Security is an important source of income for millions of Americans, but the program has a serious financial problem. Costs have increased faster than revenues in recent years because the aging population is growing more quickly than the working population. As a result, the trust fund, the financial account that pays benefits, is on track to be depleted within a decade. Specifically, the Congressional Budget Office estimates the trust fund will be exhausted in 2034. That would eliminate one source of revenue (i.e., interest earned on trust fund reserves), and the remaining tax revenues would only cover 77% of scheduled payments. That means a 23% benefit cut would be necessary in 2035. Fortunately, the lawmakers in Washington have several years to find a better solution. Here are four Social Security changes that could prevent deep, across-the-board benefit cuts. 1. Apply the Social Security payroll tax to income above $400,000 Social Security is primarily funded by a dedicated payroll tax, which takes 6.2% of wages from workers and employers. But some income is exempt from the payroll tax. Specifically, the maximum taxable earnings limit is $176,100 in 2025. Income above that threshold is not taxed by Social Security. Importantly, the Social Security program is projected to run a $23 trillion deficit over the next 75 years as it's strained by shifting demographics. But the deficit could be slashed by applying the payroll tax to more income. For instance, including income above $400,000 would eliminate 60% of the 75-year funding shortfall, says the University of Maryland. 2. Gradually increase the Social Security payroll tax rate to 6.5% over six years Under current law, the Social Security payroll tax rate is 6.2% for workers and their employers. But gradually raising that figure would eliminate a portion of the long-term deficit. For example, increasing thetax rate by 0.05% annually over a six-year period would eliminate 15% of the 75-year funding shortfall, according to the University of Maryland. Now that I've discussed two possible changes, let's step back and look at the big picture. There are basically three ways to resolve Social Security's financial problems: (1) increase revenue, (2) reduce costs or (3) some combination of the first two options. The changes discussed so far would increase revenue, but the next two changes would cut benefits. However, they are more subtle cuts than the 23% across-the-board reduction that would follow trust fund depletion. 3. Gradually increase full retirement age to 68 by 2033 Workers are eligible for retirement benefits at age 62, but they are not entitled to their full benefit — also called the primary insurance amount (PIA) — until full retirement age (FRA). Anyone that claims before full retirement age receives a smaller payout, meaning they get less than 100% of their PIA. FRA is currently defined as 67 years old for workers born in 1960 or later, but raising the figure would reduce the long-term deficit. For instance, increasing FRA to 68 years old by 2033, meaning it would apply to workers born in 1965 or later, would eliminate 15% of the 75-year funding shortfall, according to the University of Maryland. 4. Reduce benefits for retired workers with income in the top 20% Social Security benefits are determined as percentages of two bend points. Specifically, income from the 35 highest-paid years of work is adjusted for inflation and converted to a monthly figure called the average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) amount. The AIME is then run through a formula that uses two bend points to determine the PIA for each worker. Modifying the second (highest) bend point would eliminate a portion of the long-term deficit by reducing benefits for high earners. For instance, the University of Maryland estimates that reducing benefits for individuals with income in the top 20% could reduce the 75-year funding deficit by 11%. Here's the big picture: The four changes I've discussed would eliminate 101% of Social Security's $23 trillion funding shortfall, which would prevent across-the-board benefit cuts in 2035. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. The Motley Fool is a USA TODAY content partner offering financial news, analysis and commentary designed to help people take control of their financial lives. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook Offer from the Motley Fool: If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets"could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. One easy trick could pay you as much as $23,760 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after. JoinStock Advisorto learn more about these strategies. View the "Social Security secrets" »

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store