Russia’s July 4 attack is taunt aimed at both Kyiv and Trump, says journalist Portnikov

This opinion was expressed on Espreso TV by journalist Vitaly Portnikov.

"Putin orchestrated this horror not just to taunt Kyiv and its residents or destroy infrastructure, but also to taunt Trump," Portnikov said. "I heard how, just before his conversation with the American president, Putin left another forum early, saying he had to hurry because Trump might take offense. His tone was so mocking that even those trying not to notice would have picked up on it. This attack was premeditated. In fact, it was essentially timed to coincide with the end of that conversation. They even launched a reconnaissance drone beforehand — something that rarely happens."

The journalist linked the July 4 terrorist attack on Kyiv to ongoing developments in U.S.–Russia relations.

"The Russians needed to carefully photograph specific targets, which were later struck by drones and missiles," he said. "That’s why I connect this attack — and what the people of Kyiv endured that night — to what is happening between Russia and the United States. Trump is effectively encouraging Putin through his conversations. We've been raising this concern since their very first exchange."

• On Thursday, July 3, U.S. President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. During the call, the U.S. president reportedly raised the issue of ending the war in Ukraine. In response, the Kremlin leader stated that Russia "will not give up on eliminating all the root causes of the confrontation."
• That same day, July 3, Russia launched attack drones at Ukraine, followed by a missile strike during the night.