Russia has unleashed a barrage of missile and drone attacks across Ukraine, striking civilian areas in major cities. The latest assaults come as Moscow intensifies its offensive, attempting to regain momentum amid stalemate on frontline battles.
Widespread Strikes Across Major Cities
Over the past week, Russian forces have conducted widespread missile and drone strikes across Ukraine.
On January 13th, Russia launched what Ukraine called the “broadest missile attack since the start of the full-scale invasion.” At least 30 missiles were fired, targeting critical infrastructure in the capital Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa and other cities.
Several apartment buildings were struck in the eastern city of Kharkiv, killing one person and injuring 17 others. Russia claimed the buildings housed mercenaries, but Ukraine denied this.
On January 17th, Russia launched another missile attack on Kharkiv. At least 16 people were injured when an S-300 missile struck a public transport station and nearby residential buildings.
The Black Sea port city of Odesa also faced attempted attacks, as Ukraine’s military shot down Russian drones targeting infrastructure.
Intensified Bombardments From Russia
The renewed bombardment comes as Russia attempts to regain momentum after months of battlefield setbacks.
Russia is believed to be using stocks of old Soviet missiles in the recent attacks, launching them from Russian airspace and Belarus. This allows missiles to reach deeper into Ukraine than frontline positions.
Use of Iranian-supplied suicide drones has also intensified. Ukraine claims its air defenses shot down four out of seven Iranian drones overnight on January 14th. The drones are used to target critical infrastructure, though most are intercepted.
Experts say the attacks are intended to damage morale by striking civilian areas, while avoiding direct confrontation with Ukrainian forces.
World Leaders Condemn Attacks
The renewed Russian attacks have drawn condemnation from Ukraine’s Western allies.
On a visit to Kyiv last week, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak promised continued military support, calling the bombardments “attempts to demoralise a very resilient Ukrainian people.”
After the January 17th strike on Kharkiv, French President Emmanuel Macron “strongly condemned” the attack, calling it a “war crime” and vowing to hold Russia accountable.
France Denies Russian Mercenary Claims
Russia justified some attacks by claiming foreign mercenaries were housed in the buildings.
After the Kharkiv strikes on January 17th, Russia’s defense ministry claimed dozens of “mercenaries” were killed, accusing France of deploying fighters to assist Ukraine.
France firmly denied this, summoning Russia’s ambassador to protest the “unfounded” claims. Ukraine also stated no mercenaries were present.
Analysts believe Russia is attempting to drive wedges between Ukraine and allies by spreading disinformation. French weapons supplies to Ukraine are known to have increased recently.
Further Escalation Expected
The renewed Russian attacks are expected to continue, as Putin attempts to gain leverage amid a military stalemate.
Russian forces likely intend to keep up bombardment of civilian areas to damage infrastructure and morale. Use of Iranian drones is also expected to intensify.
At the same time, Russia faces growing international isolation. Western sanctions have crippled its economy, while arms supplies to Ukraine from NATO allies continue.
With both sides’ positions hardening, the almost year-long conflict looks likely to drag on. Ukraine has vowed it “will not give up a single piece of our land.” Russia too remains defiant, demanding Ukraine accept loss of territory. This suggests further bloodshed ahead with no quick diplomatic solution in sight.
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