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Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2025-05-25 at 19:05
HEADLINES
1. Putin’s helicopter targeted in Ukraine drone attack
2. Russia-Ukraine prisoner swap releases 1,000 captives
3. Israel prepares for Jerusalem Day amid regional tensions
The time is now 03:00 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.
Today at 3:00 PM, we begin with a significant development from the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin's helicopter was targeted during his visit to the Kursk region, where Ukrainian drones launched an aerial attack. Russian state media reported that while Putin was airborne, Russian forces successfully intercepted and repelled a large-scale Ukrainian drone assault, with the Russian Air Force destroying 46 drones in the process. The Russian air defense commander in Kursk, Yuri Dashkin, confirmed that the attack’s intensity surged during Putin’s flight, and the helicopter was at the center of this massive enemy drone barrage. This incident underscores the heightened tensions and ongoing military skirmishes amidst a broader exchange of prisoners, with both Russia and Ukraine confirming the release of 1,000 prisoners over the weekend.
Meanwhile, in Kyiv, Russia launched a record-breaking assault overnight Saturday involving nearly 298 drones and 69 missiles aimed at multiple regions, including the capital. Ukrainian authorities reported that this attack marked a significant escalation in Russia’s efforts to target civilian infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned what he described as international silence, asserting that such inaction emboldens Vladimir Putin to continue his aggressive campaign. Zelensky called for renewed sanctions against Russia, emphasizing that despite the pause in the week’s routine, the war persists daily. Later on Sunday evening, the US Special Envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, condemned the attack as a violation of the Geneva Conventions, specifically highlighting the indiscriminate targeting of women and children, which he described as shameful and a breach of international law.
In related security measures, Moscow’s Domodedovo airport was temporarily shut down after authorities detected a large Ukrainian drone heading toward the city. The conflict’s toll extends beyond military engagements, with ongoing suffering among civilians. A recent survey from Ukraine indicates that nearly one-third of displaced populations remain unemployed, face emotional distress, and are burdened by rising costs, reflecting the prolonged hardship caused by the conflict.
On the diplomatic front, the prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine has been notably successful, with both nations confirming the release of a thousand individuals over the weekend. Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed gratitude for the efforts, reaffirming his commitment to bring every captive home. Despite these exchanges, the war’s intensity continues, with recent military advances by Israel in Gaza and the Lebanese Hezbollah’s rhetoric indicating no easing of regional tensions.
Israel, meanwhile, is preparing to mark Jerusalem Day, celebrating the 58th anniversary of the city’s reunification after the Six-Day War of 1967. The celebrations at the Western Wall began with a massive Israeli flag unfurled, symbolizing national unity. Tel Aviv and other cities will host commemorative events, including memorials for those lost in conflicts and the heroic rescue operations for Ethiopian Jews, notably Operation Solomon, which in 1991 brought over 14,000 Ethiopian Jews to Israel in a historic airlift. These events serve as a reminder of Israel’s resilience and ongoing commitment to Jewish unity and security amid regional instability.
In domestic Israeli politics, the Knesset Ethics Committee cleared Likud MK Nissim Vaturi of any wrongdoing after he publicly called to "burn Gaza" in a political statement. The committee emphasized
Published on 1 month, 1 week ago