Russia Escalates Missile Strikes on Ukraine
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On Tuesday, Russia launched another wave of missiles and drones across Ukraine, marking the second consecutive day of intensive airstrikes that devastated multiple regions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that some of the missiles were intercepted by recently delivered F-16 fighter jets from the West, though the attacks still resulted in significant casualties and destruction. At least five people lost their lives, while a hotel, several homes, residential buildings, and crucial infrastructure were reduced to rubble. The relentless barrage also caused widespread power outages, leaving Kyiv and other cities grappling with sweltering heat and disrupted energy supplies.
Ukraine’s military, as is customary following such raids, detailed the Russian regions and occupied territories from which the attacks originated. President Zelenskyy, in his continued appeals to the United States, urged the lifting of restrictions to allow Ukraine to conduct strikes deep within Russian territory. He emphasized the necessity of targeting the military infrastructure responsible for perpetuating the war. Zelenskyy expressed frustration over the lack of progress in discussions with allies on this matter, likening it to a game of “ping-pong” where the conversation never seems to move forward.
In addressing what appears to be the first use of F-16 jets by Ukraine to intercept a missile, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the nation’s supporters. However, he stressed the need for more fighter jets and more pilots trained to operate them, highlighting the insufficient numbers currently available to defend the country effectively.
One of the regions identified as a launch site for Tuesday’s attack was Kursk, where Ukrainian forces have reportedly made significant advances. General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the head of Ukraine’s army, announced that Ukrainian troops have gained control of nearly 500 square miles of territory in Kursk over the past three weeks, an area comparable in size to Los Angeles. He also claimed that 594 Russian soldiers had been taken prisoner during the operation, which he stated was intended to divert Russian military attention away from the ongoing battles in Ukraine. These cases, nonetheless, presently can’t seem to be freely confirmed.
The operation in Kursk, which is the largest incursion into Russian territory since World War II, has led to the displacement of approximately 130,000 residents. Russia has responded by deploying reinforcements to the region, though it remains unclear how this redistribution of forces might impact Russia’s military presence in Ukraine.
The escalation of hostilities in Kursk has also raised alarms about the safety of the Kursk nuclear power plant. Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), visited the plant on Tuesday and expressed serious concerns about the potential for a nuclear incident. He reported seeing evidence of drone attacks on the plant’s facilities and emphasized that any attack on a nuclear installation is unacceptable. Despite these challenges, Grossi noted that the plant is currently operating in a manner “very close to normal.”
The Russian Defense Ministry, in its statements on Tuesday, claimed that Ukraine had suffered substantial losses in Kursk, with approximately 6,600 troops either killed or injured, along with the destruction of over 70 tanks and numerous armored vehicles. These figures, like many others reported in the conflict, have not been independently confirmed.
The Ukrainian army’s announcement of territorial gains in Kursk came just hours after Russia launched another barrage of air and missile strikes overnight. The second consecutive night of attacks saw five people killed and 16 others injured, according to Ukrainian officials. President Zelenskyy reported that the assault involved 81 drones, as well as cruise and ballistic missiles. In the Kyiv region, which had already been struggling with power outages following Monday’s attacks, five separate air alerts were issued throughout the night. The regional administration reported that air defenses successfully intercepted all incoming drones and missiles, though falling debris triggered forest fires.
Monday’s missile and drone attacks, which targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, have drawn sharp condemnation from Ukrainian leaders. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal referred to the attacks as acts of “Russian terrorism” and called on Ukraine’s allies to provide long-range weapons, along with permission to use them against targets inside Russia. Shmyhal stressed the need for Ukraine to have the means to strike back more effectively and to disrupt Russia’s ability to continue its offensive.
President Joe Biden, responding to Monday’s attacks, labeled the Russian assault on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as “outrageous.” He announced that the United States had reprioritized its air defense exports to ensure that Ukraine receives them first. Additionally, Biden confirmed that the U.S. is “surging energy equipment” to Ukraine to help repair the damaged energy grid and to bolster its resilience against future attacks.
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that its attacks targeted critical energy infrastructure that supports Ukraine’s military-industrial complex. As per the Service, all assigned targets were effectively hit. Russian officials also reported that four Ukrainian missiles were intercepted and shot down over the Kursk region.
As the conflict intensifies, the humanitarian and geopolitical stakes continue to rise, with both sides escalating their military operations. The ongoing violence has led to growing international concerns, especially regarding the potential for nuclear incidents and the broader implications for regional stability. The situation remains fluid, with both Ukrainian and Russian forces locked in a deadly struggle that shows no signs of abating.
The resilience of the Ukrainian people, coupled with the support from Western allies, has been a critical factor in withstanding Russia’s aggression. However, the need for continued and enhanced military assistance remains urgent as Ukraine faces relentless attacks on its infrastructure and civilian population. The international community continues to watch closely as the conflict unfolds, with many calling for a resolution that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.