Russia launches large-scale airstrike on Ukraine

Russia launches large-scale airstrike on Ukraine

In a sweeping nighttime offensive, Russia has attacked several regions in Ukraine with cruise and ballistic missiles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday that Russia had deployed around 70 missiles and almost 200 drones. Zelensky emphasized that this massive attack was aimed at infrastructure essential for normal life in Ukraine.

Desire for a partial ceasefire

After the attacks, Zelensky renewed his call for a partial ceasefire. This plan, originally launched by French President Emmanuel Macron, has since been discussed by Ukraine's European allies. They met on Thursday in Brussels for an important European Union defense summit.

Some of the President's demands

Zelensky expressed hope for “calm in the sky” through a ban on missiles, long-range drones and aerial bombs, as well as for “calm on the sea” as a real guarantee of normal navigation. He declared that Ukraine was “ready to pursue the path to peace,” highlighting that this desire had been raised repeatedly in various conversations, including in a turbulent meeting in the Oval Office.

Internal tensions between Ukraine and the USA

Despite attempts to improve relations with Washington, the Trump administration recently suspended military support to Ukraine and stopped providing intelligence information. This could have devastating consequences for Ukraine's capabilities and expose millions of civilians to Russian missile attacks. Zelensky warned that the US would consider increasing sanctions against Russia if the aggression is not stopped.

Ukrainian Air Force attacks and responses

The Ukrainian Air Force reported intercepting 134 missiles, including 25 Cruise missiles and all eight Kalibr missiles. But despite these successes, it was not possible to intercept the ballistic missiles, which travel at around five times the speed of sound. The only weapon in Ukraine capable of intercepting ballistic missiles is the US-made Patriot system, which was already in short supply before military aid was cut off.

Military situation in Kursk

Meanwhile, Ukraine is under immense pressure in Kursk. There are reports of the arrival of new North Korean troops, strengthening Russia's offensive at home. This situation could result in Ukraine losing an important logistical support route. The military situation in the region is tense as Russian troops invade the Sumy region and threaten to cut off Ukrainian forces in Kursk.

Analysis of the strategic situation

A prominent Ukrainian military blogger pointed out that Russian forces are heading to the town of Sudzha to cut off the Ukrainian bridgehead position. In a recent report, the Institute for the Study of War estimated that there are about 30,000 Ukrainian soldiers stationed in the Kursk region, while Russia has mobilized around 78,000 troops, including North Koreans. Bloggers from both sides have warned that Ukraine's control over the territory is at risk.

Current developments in the Ukrainian offensive raise questions about the strategic value of the advance in Kursk. Some analysts question whether the operation, originally intended to divert Russian resources, is currently fulfilling its political objectives.