Russia Intensifies Attacks on Ukraine, Major Cities Pummeled with Drones and Missiles
Russia has escalated its attacks on Ukraine, resulting in casualties and widespread damage to infrastructure. A mass missile and drone attack on the capital city, Kyiv, on June 17, resulted in at least 14 deaths and 55 injuries. Other major cities including Kherson and Donetsk also saw severe damages and casualties as a result of shelling and aerial strikes. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that they have neutralized a significant number of the drones launched by Russian forces.
Rising Tensions and Increased Attacks
Throughout June, Russia has significantly amped up its offensive against Ukraine, launching close to 2,800 attack drones, around 3,000 aerial bombs, and 140 missiles. The city of Kyiv has been a primary target, with attack drones and missiles causing casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure. The capital has come under combined drone and missile attacks, injuring at least 18 civilians. Attacks have also been reported in other cities, including Odesa and Donetsk.
Ukrainian Counter Measures
In response to the escalating drone attacks, Ukrainian authorities are working on enhancing their drone intercept capabilities. Task number one is scaling up the systems that already work effectively,
said the Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi. Ukrainian forces have been successful in neutralizing a significant number of Russian drones and missiles, with 428 drones and missiles neutralized overnight on June 16-17.
International Reactions and Implications
The UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, has strongly condemned the Russian armed forces' strikes on Ukrainian cities and urged cessation of attacks on civilians. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also condemned Russia's latest mass attack, calling the strikes on energy infrastructure a spit in the face of everything the international community is trying to do to stop this war.
The attacks have continued despite U.S. President Donald Trump giving a two-week deadline to Russian President Vladimir Putin to show willingness for peace. The deadline has passed without any respite in the attacks, leading to criticism of the White House's muted response.
Current Status
Despite the ongoing attacks, Ukraine continues to fight back and has even reportedly launched drone attacks on a drone factory in Tatarstan, a region in Russia. Ukrainian forces have also been reported to have destroyed Russian air defense systems in occupied territories.
However, the situation remains dire, with civilian casualties and infrastructure damages increasing as the attacks continue. The Ukrainian actor Yuriy Felipenko is among the casualties, having been killed at the frontline. The escalating conflict continues to draw international attention and condemnation.