Russia has launched a massive drone and missile attack on Ukraine, defying a warning from former US President Donald Trump that Moscow would be “totally destroyed” if it used nuclear weapons. The attack, which targeted several Ukrainian cities, was carried out using Iranian-made Shahed drones and various types of missiles.
The Ukrainian air force reported that it shot down 102 of 158 targets, including 87 Shahed drones and 15 of 26 missiles. The attack caused significant damage to infrastructure and resulted in injuries to at least 53 people, with one person killed. The Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, was among the cities targeted, with debris from a downed drone falling onto a childbirth clinic.
The attack was denounced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who accused Russia of trying to “destroy” Ukraine’s energy system and “plunder” its economy. The US and other Western countries have condemned Russia’s actions, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stating that the attack was a “clear escalation” of the conflict.
The timing of the attack, which coincided with a visit to Kyiv by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, was seen as a deliberate attempt by Russia to demonstrate its military capabilities. Austin used the visit to announce a new $200 million military aid package for Ukraine.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been ongoing for several years, with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 marking a significant escalation. The international community has been working to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict, but tensions remain high.
In response to the attack, Ukrainian officials have called for increased military aid and support from Western countries. The situation remains volatile, with both sides dug in and determined to achieve their objectives.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with many countries expressing concern about the potential for further escalation. The conflict has already resulted in significant human suffering and economic damage, and there are fears that it could have far-reaching consequences for global stability.
