The war in Ukraine has entered a new, more dangerous phase. Following a massive multi day drone and missile attack against Ukrainian civilian cities, it is clear Russian dictator Putin never intended to negotiate a ceasefire. This devastating assault came after Donald Trump seemingly abandoned any attempts at peace talks, effectively giving the Russian dictator permission to escalate the conflict.
The recent Russian attacks included the launch of nine Iskander ballistic missiles, 55 cruise missiles, four guided air missiles, and 298 Shahed drones, targeting civilian areas and infrastructure across Ukraine. The attacks have resulted in civilian deaths and injuries, with targets including the port of Odessa, a crucial lifeline for global food supplies. The strikes on Odessa, which killed a 71 year old man and a port employee, are a deliberate attempt to destabilise food security and starve populations.
A five story residential building in Mykolaiv was destroyed by a single Russian Shahid drone, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of these attacks. The capital city, Kyiv, experienced one of the war’s heaviest Russian air strikes, resulting in casualties and significant damage to civilian infrastructure. These attacks are not just about military objectives; they are about genocide, with Russian forces using metal fragments and shrapnel in their missiles and drones to maximise civilian casualties.
President Zelenskyy stated that nearly 300 attack drones and 70 missiles were launched by the Russians overnight, deliberately targeting ordinary cities and residential buildings. He condemned the silence of America and others around the world, stating that it only encourages Putin. He emphasised the need for strong pressure on the Russian leadership through increased sanctions and determination from the United States, European countries, and all those who seek peace.
US intelligence suggests Putin remains confident in Russia’s victory, a view possibly reinforced by Trump’s inaction. A member of the Russian State Duma Defence Committee outlined Russia’s goal to create a unified state including Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, restoring the Russian world within its natural borders. This ambition extends beyond these nations, potentially including the Baltic Sea region, the Carpathian Mountains, and areas in Poland, with a clear racial bias towards white, Christian populations.
Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a former Russian oligarch who was imprisoned for 10 years and now lives in exile, believes military force is the only way to counter Putin’s aggression. Gary Kasparov and other Russian exiles echo this sentiment, emphasising the need for overwhelming military force to stop Putin.
Despite the challenges, Ukraine’s military has shown resilience and success on the battlefield. A Russian military expert acknowledged the Ukrainian army’s improved capabilities, including advanced drone technology and AI integration. Ukraine has also been striking back, targeting Russian military assets and infrastructure.
However, Russia is planning a major ground offensive, potentially targeting Sumy or Kharkiv. While these advances may be limited, they are part of a strategy to pressure Ukraine into surrender.
Meanwhile, Trump’s focus remains on trade deals and personal relationships, with potential tariffs on Europe causing market instability. However, there are signs of a shift in US policy, with congressional Republicans backing Ukraine and threatening new sanctions on Russia.
Europe is stepping up its efforts, with Germany deploying a brigade to Lithuania to protect NATO’s eastern flank. The EU is also considering further sanctions against Russia, including cutting Russian banks from the SWIFT network.
