Russia launched a large-scale aerial assault on Ukraine overnight, deploying 145 kamikaze drones, two Iskander ballistic missiles, and a cruise missile.
The attack comes just two days after the United States halted military intelligence-sharing with Ukraine.
Escalation Amid U.S. Policy Shift
According to Digi24, the strikes targeted multiple regions, killing at least 20 people and injuring 43 others in the Donetsk region.
Ukrainian air defenses managed to intercept 79 drones and one cruise missile launched from Russia’s Rostov region, using a combination of fighter jets and anti-aircraft systems.
Ukrainian Major Volodymyr Omelian told the BBC that Russian forces are feeling "extremely encouraged" by recent remarks from former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding a potential withdrawal of American troops from Europe, lifting sanctions on Russia, and ending U.S. military assistance to Ukraine.
Moscow Increases Pressure as U.S. Steps Back
Russia has ramped up its aerial assaults following Trump’s decision to suspend military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine.
John Ratcliffe, the CIA Director, confirmed on Wednesday that the U.S. ceased providing intelligence support after a tense Oval Office meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week.
The suspension was also acknowledged by National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, who stated that the U.S. had "stepped back" from its role in assisting Ukraine’s war effort.
In response, Russian officials have reiterated their claims that the West—particularly the U.S.—has been actively involved in the war, not only by supplying weapons but also by providing intelligence on Russian targets using satellites, reconnaissance drones, and spy planes.
The Uncertain Path Forward
With Ukraine facing a renewed wave of attacks and a reduced flow of Western intelligence and military support, Kyiv now faces increased challenges in defending against Russian advances.
While Ukrainian forces have demonstrated resilience in intercepting enemy drones and missiles, the shifting geopolitical landscape could significantly impact their ability to repel future assaults.
As tensions rise, Ukraine and its allies must now navigate a new phase of the conflict, where U.S. disengagement could embolden Moscow and alter the war’s trajectory.
