Donald Trump's stunning 1-word verdict on Ukraine's daring raid on Russian bombers

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is said to have responded with a mix of admiration and apprehension to Ukraine’s recent drone strike on Russian military air bases, according to individuals familiar with the conversations.

Although Trump has made limited public remarks about the operation—which involved long-range drone attacks on strategic bomber airfields deep within Russian territory—sources say he privately described the strike as both “strong” and “badass.” One insider told Axios that Trump found the attack “pretty strong,” while another recalled him remarking, “He thought it was badass.” A third adviser likened Trump’s reaction to watching "a chihuahua inflict real damage on a much bigger dog.”

The Ukrainian operation, remotely coordinated and executed from afar, targeted bombers capable of delivering nuclear weapons. It signaled that Ukraine’s military reach extends well beyond the front lines, but also raised the risk of a severe Russian response.

Trump has expressed concern that the attack might complicate peace efforts—particularly his own diplomatic initiative, which recently resulted in the first direct Russia–Ukraine talks in years. Speaking about his call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, Trump said, “It was a good conversation but not one that will lead to immediate peace,” adding that Putin had “very strongly” warned him of forthcoming retaliation.

One source close to Trump explained, “We want this war to end. We want de-escalation. If Putin lashes out in response, the president is concerned.”

Russian and Ukrainian broadcasts on Wednesday featured Putin commenting on the strike, suggesting it had diminished the likelihood of a ceasefire or any direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Despite the risks, a senior White House official noted that Trump remained impressed by the precision and execution of the Ukrainian mission. “The drone attack didn’t surprise him,” the official said. “But he is worried it could prolong the conflict.”

Codenamed "Spiderweb," the mission was orchestrated by Ukraine’s Security Service and personally overseen by President Zelensky. It was the product of over 18 months of meticulous planning and involved significant operational risks.

The strike comes amid a stalled peace process and a wave of intensified Russian drone and missile attacks. It reflects Ukraine’s broader wartime strategy: creatively countering a larger, better-equipped adversary through innovation, surprise, and Western support.

According to Zelensky, 117 drones were used to strike four military airfields, damaging or destroying 34% of Russia’s air-launched missile carrier fleet.

“Unfortunately, Putin feels impunity,” Zelensky wrote in a post on X. “Even after all of Russia’s horrific attacks, he is reportedly preparing yet more so-called ‘responses.’ With every new strike, every delay in diplomacy, Russia is flipping off the entire world—especially those who hesitate to increase pressure.”

On Telegram, Zelensky added: “Not everything can be revealed right now, but these Ukrainian actions will certainly be remembered in the history books.”