In a dramatic escalation of its military campaign, Russia has spent an estimated $1.5 billion over the past five days on intensified attacks against Ukraine.
Intentionally Attacking Civillians
The aggressive offensive has seen the Russian military deploying drones and missiles across more than half of Ukraine's regions, leading to the deaths of at least seven civilians and significant damage to critical infrastructure, including power facilities.
According to a report by Forbes Ukraine and Ekonmichna Pravda, the cost of these airstrikes has reached nearly £1.14 billion, a staggering figure that underscores the scale of Russia's ongoing military commitment.
This wave of attacks is believed to be in response to Ukraine's successful incursion into Russia's Kursk region, a move that has reportedly angered Moscow.
James Kariuki, the UK's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, described the airstrikes as "cowardly" and highlighted ongoing evidence that Russia is deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure.
"Intentionally attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure constitutes a war crime," Kariuki stated at a recent UN Security Council meeting, emphasizing Russia's increasing desperation as it continues its military aggression.
Warning to Putin
CIA Deputy Director David Cohen issued a stark warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting that the ongoing conflict could have significant repercussions within Russia.
Cohen pointed out that Putin faces a "difficult fight" as Ukraine strengthens its defensive lines in Kursk, potentially creating a new front on Russian territory.
The American intelligence official cautioned that the Russian leader would not only have to address the territorial losses but also deal with potential backlash within Russian society.
As the conflict drags on, Moscow has dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's claims of a strategy to end the war, indicating that the Kremlin has no intention of backing down despite mounting international and domestic pressures.
Meanwhile, Russia continues its assault on Ukrainian cities. On Friday, Russian forces bombarded the Nemishlyanskii district of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, killing several civilians, including a child.
Kharkiv, located just 40 kilometers from the Russian border, has been under constant attack since the invasion began in February 2022.
