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Intensified Drone Strikes Mark Significant Escalation in Ukraine Conflict

In an unprecedented move, Russia launched the most extensive strike drone attack against Ukraine on Saturday night, as reported by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy just before the three-year anniversary of Russia’s large-scale invasion. Zelenskyy described the assault as “the largest attack since Iranian drones commenced operations against Ukrainian cities and towns.”

Officials from Ukraine’s air force confirmed that out of 267 strike drones deployed, 138 were intercepted over 13 regions, while an additional 119 drones were lost before reaching their intended targets. The attack also involved the firing of three ballistic missiles, resulting in one fatality in the city of Kryvyi Rih, according to local military authorities.

This surge in aggression from Russia coincides with growing apprehensions among Ukrainian and European leaders regarding a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump. His recent actions have led to concerns about a dramatic reduction in U.S. support for Ukraine, triggering fears that negotiations could sideline Ukraine in favor of reaching a settlement with Russia.

Concerns Rise Over Trump’s Diplomatic Approach

Trump’s overtures to Russian officials and plans to reestablish diplomatic ties and economic partnerships have elicited widespread anxiety and anger within Ukraine. Zelenskyy has voiced specific worries that a quick resolution pushed by Trump could lead to territorial losses for Ukraine and increased vulnerability to future Russian threats. However, U.S. officials maintain that any peace discussions will involve direct engagement with Ukraine’s leadership.

This week, Trump sparked further outrage when he suggested that Kyiv bore responsibility for initiating the conflict and criticized Zelenskyy for not holding elections, despite existing Ukrainian laws that prevent this during martial law.

International Repercussions and Reactions

In reaction to the recent attacks, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha‎ emphasized that the latest drone assault “illustrates the futility of avoiding the label of aggressor for Russia.” He urged that trust should not be placed in Putin’s reassurances, underscoring that “actions speak louder than words.”

In a separate development, discussions between Ukrainian officials and U.S. representatives are ongoing regarding a potential agreement that would grant the U.S. access to Ukrainian rare earth minerals. This proposal, which garnered little interest from Zelenskyy earlier due to the lack of explicit security assurances, is now being revisited in the context of bolstering both economic and military support.

During a recent forum held in Kyiv to commemorate the anniversary of the war, Andrii Yermak, chief of staff to Zelenskyy, indicated that the Ukrainian government is exploring investment opportunities with both the U.S. and European allies, which would include mineral extraction and development. He underscored the significance of mineral resources as integral to the broader framework of security guarantees that Ukraine seeks.

Before departing the forum, Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko revealed that current estimates suggest around $350 billion worth of minerals are located on Ukrainian territories under Russian occupation. However, she noted that these figures are predominantly based on geological surveys from the mid-20th century and emphasized the necessity for contemporary geological exploration to validate these resources.

Putin’s Messaging Amidst Conflict

In a broadcast marking Russia’s Defender of the Fatherland Day, President Vladimir Putin praised Russian soldiers engaged in the conflict, framing their actions as a defense of national interests and the future of Russia. He affirmed that the government would enhance social support for military personnel and continue to upgrade the country’s military capabilities, claiming that Russia’s commitment to fortifying its armed forces remains unwavering.

European Leaders Take Action

As the situation unfolds, the UK has announced a new package of sanctions against Russia that will be revealed on Monday—this represents the most impactful sanctions since the early stages of the conflict. Foreign Secretary David Lammy mentioned that the initiative aims to “deplete Russia’s military resources and reduce the financial means that sustain the devastation inflicted on Ukraine.”

Additionally, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are set to visit Washington this week to advocate for continued support for Ukraine and dissuade Trump from considering any peace negotiations that exclude Ukrainian involvement. Starmer emphasized at a recent Labour Party event that “no discussions regarding Ukraine can occur without the inclusion of Ukraine, as its people deserve a secure future.”

Source
globalnews.ca