Ukrainians hit back at Trump with a 7‑word zinger and viral meme following a deadly air base strike.

Donald Trump has consistently adopted a hardline stance against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, blaming him for instigating the war, claiming Ukraine was nearing collapse, and insisting the country had "no cards to play."

However, Ukrainians seized the moment to mock the former U.S. president after a bold Ukrainian drone offensive on Sunday dealt a staggering blow to Russia’s air force. According to reports, the coordinated attack on Russian air bases caused an estimated £5 billion in damages and destroyed around 40 aircraft, including strategic bombers—an intelligence victory that sent shockwaves through the Kremlin and the global community alike.

The successful operation was widely celebrated across Ukraine, with many using the opportunity to take jabs at Trump’s earlier remarks.

Following meetings with both Zelensky and Putin in February, Trump told a White House press conference:

“I’ve had very good talks with Putin, and I’ve had not such good talks with Ukraine. They don’t have any cards, but they play it tough. But we’re not going to let this continue.”

In a clever twist on Trump’s card metaphor, Business Ukraine Magazine posted a succinct, seven-word quip after the airstrike:

"Today Zelensky played the King of Drones."

Ukrainian defense journalist Illia Ponomarenko also joined the chorus, alluding to Zelensky’s past treatment in Washington:

“This is what happens when a proud nation under attack ignores all the doomsayers: ‘Ukraine has only six months left.’ ‘You have no cards.’ ‘Just surrender—Russia cannot lose.’”

Social media lit up with memes, including one showing President Zelensky clad in a full suit of playing cards—a pointed reference to the criticism he received for wearing military fatigues to his White House meeting, a wardrobe choice he has maintained since the war's outset.

Meanwhile, peace talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials resumed in Istanbul, marking a second attempt to reignite diplomatic negotiations. Moscow reportedly offered a temporary ceasefire lasting two to three days to allow both sides to recover their fallen soldiers.