Russia’s military has launched their biggest attack yet on Ukraine overnight. They were more worrisome because they deployed 109 drones and five missiles, raising the level of international alarm. The deadly offensive came in the early morning hours of Saturday. Tragically, it meant devastation and loss of life, including the tragic death of a nine-year-old girl, in Zaporizhzhia region. Since the latest phase of the conflict began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022, it has deepened tremendously, and Russia occupies nearly one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.
Proud Ukrainian air force greatly improved its selfie-defensive capabilities despite horrible increase of violence. Despite these ongoing efforts, the missile barrage did leave many injured. One of the victims included a 16-year-old from the Zaporizhzhia region. Russia is using this latest wave of attacks to advance a larger aim. Their aim is to bolster their hold on newly annexed lands and cripple Ukrainian efforts at a peace deal.
In a significant turn, Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, has rejected demands for a 30-day, unconditional ceasefire. Rather than do any such thing, he doubled down on promoting a purely militaristic agenda. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vehemently condemned this position. He accused Russia of stymying diplomacy by not allowing its position paper in negotiations to be viewed by Ukrainian representatives.
“For some reason, the Russians are concealing this document. This is an absolutely bizarre position. There is no clarity about the format.” – Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Russia’s new aerial assault on Ukraine and the territory they have gained. They took the villages of Novopil in eastern Donetsk and Vodolahy in northern Sumy. Daily reports highlight instances of Russian forces penetrating even farther into Ukrainian-held territory. Since then they have taken control of two more villages in Sumy. These recent turns of events represent a deeply disturbing trend as Russia deepens its control of occupied areas in Ukraine.
The havoc wrought by the fighting is additionally complicated by Ukraine’s counteroffensives. Ukrainian forces have bombarded western Russia with drone strikes, extending strikes deep into Russian territory and injuring at least 14 people. These entrusted retaliatory measures only underscore the terrible cycle of violence that both countries are perpetuating upon each other. They deal every day with the legacy of combat.
Civilian safety should be priority number one. With the violence escalating, more than 200 towns across Ukraine are currently threatened with or already subject to evacuation orders. The humanitarian cost is still catastrophic, with an excess of tens of thousands of lives lost since the start of the invasion.
Putin double-downed on Friday by demanding to deliver, in person, Russia’s peace offer on Monday. This announcement follows a growing concern from foreign observers about the nature of Russian warfare and their long-term goals.