Record Drone Barrage Hits Ukraine After U.S. Weapons Pledge

In the wake of a pledge from the U.S. to supply additional defensive weaponry, Ukraine faced an unprecedented aerial assault from Russia. This comes as fighting continues into its fourth year.

Largest Drone Attack on Record

Overnight, Russia launched a record 728 drones targeting Ukraine, shortly after former U.S. President Donald Trump promised to send more defensive weapons to Kyiv, also issuing unusually strong words against Russian President Vladimir Putin. Last week’s previous record involved 550 drones and missiles.

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, 711 drones were intercepted, and seven of 13 incoming missiles were destroyed by air defense systems.

Zelenskyy Calls for Sanctions

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is scheduled to meet with U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg in Rome on Wednesday, stated that the attack highlights the urgent requirement for “biting sanctions” targeting the financial resources Russia uses to sustain the war. He specifically mentioned entities purchasing Russian oil.

“This is a telling attack – and it comes precisely at a time when so many efforts have been made to achieve peace, to establish a ceasefire, and yet only Russia continues to rebuff them all,” Zelenskyy posted on social media.

Potential Sanctions from the U.S.

On Tuesday, Trump indicated he was considering supporting legislation that would impose significant sanctions on Russia, including tariffs as high as 500 per cent on countries importing Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other exports.

“We get a lot of b******t thrown at us by Putin … He’s very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless,” Trump commented during a cabinet meeting.

When asked about potential actions against Putin, Trump responded: “I wouldn’t tell you. We want to have a little surprise.”

Europe Considers Further Action

Concurrently, European nations are developing a new package of sanctions targeting Moscow. As of June 2024, the EU has already imposed sanctions on nearly 2,200 individuals and entities connected to the war in Ukraine (European Council).

Escalating Air Assaults

Recent weeks have seen escalating aerial attacks. These attacks involved hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles, placing immense pressure on Ukraine’s air defenses during a critical phase of the conflict.