Ukraine faced a significant escalation in hostilities as Russia launched a series of missile and drone strikes over the weekend. The coordinated attacks killed at least four people and injured many others. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is getting to work. In his piece, he highlights the urgent need for more advanced defense systems to protect against ever-changing threats.
Overall, Russia launched nine Kalibr missiles and 62 Shahed-136/131 drones in the attack. Air force dramatically reduced the damage that could have been inflicted by four missiles and 50 drones, with their successful interception. The strikes were catastrophic, particularly in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Tragically, two were killed and seven more were injured. Unlike the previous attacks targeting apartment buildings, these strikes did more damage to private homes in the area than public transports.
Costly military strikes
In Kyiv, a Russian ballistic missile strike resulted in more civilian casualties, killing two and injuring 13. Ukrainian state emergency service, rescuers were continuing to evacuate people from a fire that broke out in a nonresidential building as a result of the strikes. Debris from missiles the military had successfully intercepted reportedly broke windows in buildings located blocks away, illustrating the far-reaching effects of the attacks.
President Zelenskyy addressed the situation, stating, “It is precisely because of such attacks that we pay special attention to Patriot systems – to be able to protect our cities from this horror. It is critical that partners who possess relevant capability implement what we have discussed in recent days.” His comments further emphasize Ukraine’s urgent need for advanced defense systems to respond to and defend against continuing Russian aggression.
At the same time, Russia’s defense ministry said that it downed 121 Ukrainian drones inside its own territory. Yet, this was the action taken during that very same time period. The recent spree of aerial dogfights serves as a vivid reminder of the escalating hostilities between the two countries.
Speaking of new sanctions, U.S. President Donald Trump just declared new sanctions against Russia. This is his first such action of this sort since returning to office at the start of this year. Their goal was to hurt key economic sectors of the Russian economy. They will grow stronger if President Vladimir Putin keeps on delaying negotiations to settle the war in Ukraine. Trump stated, “I’m going to have to know that we’re going to make a deal. I’m not going to be wasting my time.” He expressed disappointment in his previously favorable relations with Putin, remarking, “I’ve always had a great relationship with Vladimir Putin, but this has been very disappointing.”
The U.S. government may consider targeting Russia’s banking sector and infrastructure essential for oil markets with additional sanctions if hostilities persist. If adopted, this surprising new policy would be a huge step in the direction of a budding international consensus to hold Russia accountable.