Emergency crews rush to help after a Russian missile hits Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Friday. REUTERS
Russia launched a massive air attack on Ukraine overnight, firing nearly 70 missiles and almost 200 drones. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the strikes hit multiple regions, mainly targeting infrastructure. The attack followed the US decision to suspend military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv, raising concerns about Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Ukraine Pushes for a Ceasefire
Zelensky renewed his call for a partial ceasefire, an idea first proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron. He urged for a ban on missiles, drones, and aerial bombs, as well as safe navigation in the Black Sea. European leaders discussed the proposal in Brussels, hoping it could lead to long-term peace talks.
Tensions Between Ukraine and the US
The US government recently stopped supplying military aid, intelligence data, and commercial satellite imagery to Ukraine. These tools were essential for tracking Russian troop movements and planning military operations. The sudden cut in support could leave Ukraine vulnerable to further Russian attacks.
Despite the recent shift in relations, US President Donald Trump issued a warning to Russia, threatening new banking sanctions and tariffs unless Moscow agrees to a ceasefire. However, experts believe these measures may have little impact since trade between the US and Russia is minimal.
Deadly Attacks and Ukraine’s Response
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that it intercepted 134 projectiles, including 25 cruise missiles and all eight Kalibr missiles. However, Ukraine failed to stop the ballistic missiles, which travel at high speeds. The only effective defense against these is the US-made Patriot system, but Ukraine has a limited supply, and with aid cut off, replenishment seems unlikely.
Ukraine deployed F-16 fighter jets and Mirage aircraft from France to counter the attack. The Mirages successfully intercepted some cruise missiles. However, in Dobropillia, a city in eastern Ukraine, Russian strikes killed at least five people and injured 18. The Black Sea port of Odesa also suffered heavy drone attacks.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed it shot down 43 Ukrainian drones over several regions within a few hours.
Russia Gains Ground in Kursk
Ukraine is struggling to maintain control of Kursk, a Russian border region it invaded last year to divert Russian troops from eastern Ukraine. Russian forces, now reinforced by 12,000 North Korean troops, have recaptured half of the territory.
Military analysts warn that Ukraine’s hold on Kursk is weakening. Russian forces recently entered Ukraine’s Sumy region, attempting to cut off Ukrainian troops.
Some Ukrainian military bloggers suspect that the US intelligence cutoff may have contributed to Russia’s recent gains. One blogger noted that Moscow’s breakthrough happened just two days after the US stopped providing intelligence on Russian targets.
Others suggest that Ukraine should consider withdrawing from Kursk, as the operation may no longer serve a strategic purpose.
