The provided text discusses recent drone and missile strikes by Russia on Ukraine, especially focusing on attacks in western regions far from the front lines. It also mentions a statement by Donald Trump regarding sanctions on Russia, which critics believe gave Moscow an extended window to continue its bombing campaign.
Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
Widespread Drone and Missile Strikes: Ukraine’s Air Force issued repeated warnings of attacks across the country, including western oblasts.
Specific Attack Locations and Impacts:
Kharkiv: At least 17 explosions in 20 minutes. A civilian enterprise was hit by Shahed drones,causing fires and injuring at least three people.
dnipropetrovsk Oblast (Kryvyi Rih): Struck by waves of drones, leading to widespread power outages. A 17-year-old boy was injured. Vinnytsia Oblast: Eight people were wounded and hospitalized due to drone strikes that set two industrial facilities ablaze and damaged four residential buildings.
Odesa Oblast (Izmail): explosions were reported in the port city. Scale of Russian Attacks: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia launched over 1,800 long-range drones, 1,200 glide bombs, and 80 missiles in a single week.
Previous Large-Scale Assault: the recent attacks followed what Ukrainian officials described as the largest assault of the war on July 9, involving over 700 Shahed-type drones and decoys, along with cruise and ballistic missiles.
Donald Trump’s Statement: Trump’s comments on July 15, where he stated he didn’t think 50 days was “very long” regarding sanctions on Russia, are seen by critics as giving Moscow an extended period to bomb Ukraine. His 50-day ultimatum, threatening tariffs on Russian energy exports unless a peace deal is reached, is also mentioned.
Russian Demands and Ukrainian Rejection: Russia’s demands include Kyiv surrendering four annexed regions,abandoning NATO ambitions,and accepting military restrictions,all of which Ukraine has rejected.
Ground Situation: Russian troops are making slow progress in Donetsk, attempting to encircle Ukrainian defenses. Military analysts believe meaningful breakthroughs within 50 days are unlikely.
Ukrainian Defense and Challenges: Ukrainian forces, though under-equipped and outnumbered, are holding their ground with the help of drones and weapons from European NATO allies. However, delays in US arms shipments are causing pressure and forcing Ukraine to ration ammunition.
* Expert Warning: Jack Watling of the Royal united Services Institute warned that Russia’s summer offensive will likely put Ukrainian forces under intense pressure and that Europe needs to step up quickly.