Russia launched a massive aerial assault on Ukrainian cities, including Kharkiv and Kyiv, using over 400 drones and 45 missiles. These attacks resulted in civilian casualties and significant infrastructure damage.
The recent attacks followed Ukraine’s significant drone offensive, dubbed “Operation Spiderweb,” targeting multiple Russian airbases deep within Russian territory. The operation aimed to cripple Russia’s strategic bomber fleet, which has been instrumental in long-range attacks against Ukraine.
According to Ukrainian sources, the operation involved 117 drones targeting five airbases: Belaya, Dyagilevo, Ivanovo Severny, Olenya, and Ukrainka.
The drones, some equipped with AI for autonomous targeting, were reportedly smuggled into Russia concealed within trucks.
Ukraine claims that the strikes resulted in the destruction or damage of 41 military aircraft, including Tu-95, Tu-22M3, and A-50 models, causing an estimated \$7 billion in damages.
Amid these developments, U.S. President Donald Trump made controversial remarks suggesting that Ukraine “brought it on themselves,” implying that Ukraine’s actions provoked Russia’s retaliatory strikes.
He further stated that it might be better to let Ukraine and Russia “fight for a while” before pursuing peace negotiations.
These comments have drawn criticism from various quarters, with many viewing them as undermining Ukraine’s right to self-defence and potentially emboldening Russian aggression. The situation continues to evolve, with international calls for de-escalation and renewed diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
For visual context, Ukraine’s Security Service has released footage of the drone strikes, showcasing the precision and impact of the operation.
