Russia unleashed a barrage of 108 drones targeting Ukraine overnight, Ukraine’s air force reported on Telegram, hours after a high-profile phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The attack, which damaged infrastructure in four Ukrainian regions, underscores the ongoing intensity of the three-year conflict despite Trump’s claims of imminent peace negotiations.

According to Ukraine’s air force, its defenses successfully shot down 35 of the 108 Russian drones, with an additional 58 neutralized through jamming or other means.

The strikes caused damage across four regions, though specific details on the extent of the destruction were not disclosed.

Russia’s Defense Ministry, in turn, reported intercepting eight Ukrainian drones overnight, highlighting the near-nightly tit-for-tat drone exchanges that have grown in scale and sophistication throughout the war.

The drone barrage followed a two-hour phone call between Trump and Putin, after which Trump expressed confidence in brokering a ceasefire.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump acknowledged the challenges, noting, “Very, very big egos [are] involved,” but insisted, “I think something’s going to happen.”

He emphasized his belief that Putin is open to ending the conflict, stating, “If I thought that President Putin did not want to get this over with, I wouldn’t even be talking about it.”

In a post on Truth Social, Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine would “immediately” begin ceasefire negotiations.

However, the Kremlin has not endorsed Kyiv’s proposal for a 30-day pause in fighting to facilitate talks, and previous negotiations, including a recent chaotic meeting in Istanbul, have collapsed.

Putin’s response to the call offered little indication of compromise. In a Kremlin statement, he reiterated Russia’s focus on “eliminating the root causes of this crisis,” a position that aligns with Moscow’s long-standing demands.

The lack of concessions from Putin, combined with the overnight drone assault, casts doubt on the feasibility of immediate peace talks.

The war, now in its third year, continues to see frequent cross-border drone attacks, with both sides deploying increasingly advanced technology.

Ukraine’s call for a temporary ceasefire has yet to gain traction, and the latest escalation suggests that diplomatic breakthroughs remain elusive despite Trump’s optimism.

As the world watches for progress, the conflict’s toll—marked by bloodshed and destruction—continues to mount, with no clear resolution in sight.