Description: Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelenskyy on Telegram announced that air defenses in Kyiv and Odessa downed more than 270 drones and 19 Russian missiles in what was labeled as the largest aerial attack on Ukraine since the start of the war. Russia reportedly launched more than 500 drones and 40 long – range missiles as fires and large-scale buildings were damaged in several Kyiv suburbs. Both countries agreed on the last round of Istanbul peace talks towards the prisoner exchange which was taking place as the countries also exchanged missiles. The war enters its fourth year as Russia continues to prepare for the announced summer offensive in an alleged attempt to create a buffer zone within central Ukraine as a precondition for agreeing towards a potential ceasefire.
Impact: The latest aerial attacks showcase the objective state of affairs, despite Ukraine’s latest audacious operations which severely crippled Russian strategic bombers and infrastructure. The latest meeting between foreign officials yielded no results as the warring countries continued their confrontation indicating prolonged fighting and developing escalation which could result in larger ground operations in the upcoming months. The latest attacks and the confrontational diplomatic attitude between the two countries complement the US passive withdrawal from the peace process and signals continuation of the warfare. Russia would continue to increase the pressure on Ukraine through expanding operations on the ground and in the air in an attempt to materialize its maximalist demands and force Ukraine’s capitulation. Ukraine would be mostly dependent on its European allies as the Trump administration despite attempting to hold a neutral position only facilitated continued Russian aggression and emboldened Putin to legitimize his demands.