As you may have seen, Russia escalated its attacks over the weekend on Ukraine’s infrastructure and civilian areas. The recent strikes killed at least 60 civilians and released a reminder that the ongoing conflict is still brutal. Local officials reported that three people died following a Russian attack on port infrastructure in Odesa on the Black Sea. Ukrainian governor Oleh Kiper verified the deaths, highlighting the deadly toll of the new wave of aggression.
At least one of these attacks appears to have specifically targeted a cargo ship that Russian officials claimed was carrying military equipment. This claim begs the question of what Russia hopes to achieve and whether they seek to hold themselves to the international standard for military engagement.
In response to the escalating violence, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy criticized Russia’s actions, stating, “These are not the actions of a country seeking peace.” His statements are a further indication of an increasing concern among Western countries that Russia is not serious about negotiating or engaging in diplomacy.
In a separate strike, Russian forces shot down more than 100 Ukrainian drones Saturday morning. This extraordinary operation was conducted over six provinces in western and southern Russia. The growing drumbeat of drone operations foreshadows a dangerous escalation in terms of military preparedness on both sides.
The hit came as things continued to worsen as Russian drones began a campaign over Ukraine’s capital of Kyiv early Sunday, injuring at least seven people. The targeted drone strikes resulted in fires, immediately damaging one apartment building while the hot debris later ignited in others, as well as surrounding houses.
Ihor Terekhov, mayor of Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine, stated that drones hit three districts of the city and killed or injured 23 civilians. These strikes come amid broader reports indicating that 13 civilians were killed in various regions of Ukraine during Russian attacks from Friday night into Saturday morning.
Ukraine’s air force made a historic counter-attack, launching 14 ballistic missiles and 250 attack drones into the heart of Kyiv. The attack left 15 people wounded. The intensity of these strikes reveals an ongoing and brutal effort by Russian forces to escalate tensions.
In another incident, Andriy Kovalenko of Ukraine’s national security council said that drones struck an arms factory in Tula. This site is located in the southern reaches of Moscow, pictured. This attack reportedly injured three individuals and triggered a fire at the site, further illustrating the conflict’s reach beyond Ukraine’s borders.
Russia’s defense ministry further clouded the situation on the ground by claiming that its troops had overrun two settlements in the Donetsk region. They retaken one of settlements in Sumy, a northern region of Ukraine. On Saturday, something wonderful happened. Sheikh-Mohammed’s high-stakes operation included 307 Russian PoWs being exchanged for the same number of Ukrainian soldiers. More exciting exchanges are planned for this coming Sunday. Ultimately, the aim is to get to 1,000, as was originally promised back during the negotiations in Istanbul.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned in particular the recent attacks, calling the attacks a clear sign that Moscow is not serious about peace. He reasoned that prolonging the conflict would lead to tougher sanctions on key sectors of the Russian economy. He sees these steps as necessary to put pressure on Moscow to agree to a ceasefire.
Katarina Mathernová weighed in, stating, “If anyone still doubts Russia wants war to continue – read the news.” Her comment captures the mood of many onlookers regarding Russia’s incursion. They interpret these actions as proof of Russia’s refusal to seek peace talks.