Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine as U.S. steps back

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon.

The war in Ukraine is entering a deeper, more dangerous phase.

In the same week that Russia and Ukraine completed their largest prisoner exchange since the invasion began, Moscow launched its most intense aerial assault yet — unleashing over 300 drones and 70 missiles on 30 cities.

While President Putin has ordered the creation of a so-called "security buffer zone" along the Russian border, his forces continue to target civilian centers deep inside Ukraine.

Kyiv has responded with counterstrikes that now reach the heart of Moscow, signaling that the war's frontlines are no longer fixed.

U.S. President Donald Trump, while criticizing both Putin and Zelensky, called the Russian leader "absolutely crazy" and walked back threats of sanctions, raising new questions about Washington's strategic consistency.

For a closer look at the situation, we are joined by Lim Eun-jung, a professor of International Studies at Kongju National University. Welcome.

Also joining us is Dr. Malcolm Davis, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. Great to see you.

1. (DAVIS) So, as we've heard Dr. Davis, shortly after the largest prisoner exchange of the war, Russia launched its heaviest aerial assault yet. Is this a tactical ploy or a deliberate negotiation strategy by Moscow?

2. (LIM) What about you Prof.Lim? How does the timing of these airstrikes affect the credibility of any future diplomatic overtures from Moscow?

3. (LIM) As for the cause, President Zelensky has repeatedly criticized what he calls "American silence." Professor, what kind of political vacuum does this perceived inaction from Washington create on the international stage?

4. (DAVIS) But following the air strikes, President Trump called Putin "absolutely crazy" this week, despite their long-standing rapport. Dr.Davis, do you interpret this as a genuine shift in tone — or a tactical repositioning as Trump tries to balance criticism of Biden while asserting his own relevance in global diplomacy?

5. (LIM) Meanwhile, President Putin has announced the creation of a "security buffer zone" along Russia's border with Ukraine. Professor, what are the strategic implications of this move for future peace negotiations?

6. (DAVIS) Does the establishment of this buffer zone signal a shift from an offensive war to territorial consolidation?

7. (DAVIS) As for its weapons capabilities, Ukraine's drone strikes have now reached Moscow itself. Dr.Davis, How does this shift — where even Russia's capital isn't immune — reshape the strategic and psychological landscape of the war?

8. (LIM) President Trump stated that this war "would never have started" under his leadership and insists it's "not his war." Prof.Lim, is this rhetorical distance contributing to the stalemate or complicating diplomacy?

9. (DAVIS) In addition to this, President Trump briefly floated the idea of additional sanctions on Russia — only to walk it back days later. Dr.Davis, what message does this kind of ambiguity send to the Kremlin?

10. (LIM) At this point, how realistic is a conditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the near term?