Escalation of Attacks on Ukrainian Cities
Russia has carried out a series of intense attacks on four Ukrainian cities, causing injuries to at least 15 individuals. The strikes primarily focused on energy infrastructure, further disrupting the daily lives of civilians. This latest wave of bombardment is part of an ongoing aerial campaign by Russia against civilian areas, intensifying the conflict that has now lasted for three years.
The attacks occurred just before a September 2 deadline set by former US President Donald Trump, who urged the Kremlin to reach a peace agreement. If this deadline is not met, Trump warned of potential severe sanctions from Washington. However, no official date has been announced for a possible third round of direct peace talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations. Previous negotiations have yielded little progress beyond prisoner exchanges, highlighting the challenges in achieving meaningful dialogue.
During the night, the Ukrainian air force reported that Russia launched 400 Shahed drones and decoy drones, along with one ballistic missile. These attacks targeted several key cities, including Kharkiv, the second-largest city in Ukraine, as well as Kryvyi Rih, which is President Volodymyr Zelensky’s hometown. Other locations hit include Vinnytsia in the west and Odesa in the south. The destruction caused by these strikes underscores the increasing threat to civilian populations.
In response to the attacks, Zelensky emphasized that Russia has not changed its strategy. He called for a systemic strengthening of Ukraine’s defense capabilities, urging more air defense systems, interceptors, and resolve to counter the ongoing aggression. His message highlights the urgent need for international support to bolster Ukraine’s defenses against further attacks.
Trump has pledged to deliver additional weapons to Ukraine, including critical Patriot air defense systems. He also threatened to impose more sanctions on Russia if the situation does not improve. This stance marks his strongest position towards Russian President Vladimir Putin since returning to the White House nearly six months ago. However, some US lawmakers and European officials have raised concerns about the 50-day deadline, fearing it could give Putin the opportunity to capture more Ukrainian territory before any settlement is reached.
Historically, previous US ultimatums to Putin have failed to halt the invasion of Ukraine. The war has already resulted in tens of thousands of soldier deaths, many along the 620-mile front line. According to the United Nations, Russian attacks on cities have killed over 12,000 Ukrainian civilians. The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, noted that Putin believes in a theory of victory where Russia can achieve its objectives by making gradual gains on the battlefield and outlasting Western support for Ukraine.
While Trump has committed to sending more weapons to Ukraine, he has stated that European countries are covering the costs. Although Ukrainian and European officials welcomed the US commitment after months of hesitation, some expressed hope that Washington might take on a larger share of the financial burden. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas acknowledged the importance of the US announcement but stressed the need for greater financial support from the US. She emphasized that if European countries pay for the weapons, it represents their support for Ukraine.
