Credited from: SCMP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly accused Russia of preparing a new offensive, following what he described as the largest aerial attack on Ukraine to date. In his Monday evening address, he noted an "unprecedented number" of Russian drones and cruise missiles targeting Ukrainian cities and communities, reporting that over 900 drones and numerous missiles had been involved in recent assaults. Zelenskyy emphasized that "there is ample evidence that they are preparing new offensive operations," signaling a lack of serious intent from Moscow towards peace negotiations, as indicated by intelligence gathered by Ukrainian officials, according to SCMP and ABC News.
The scale of the recent Russian aerial attack, which involved at least 364 "air attack vehicles," has raised concerns within Ukraine and among its allies. Zelenskyy stated that "the increase in Russian strikes should be met with increased sanctions," illustrating Ukraine's stance that diplomatic solutions are overshadowed by ongoing military threats. "We can see that there are no signs of a diplomatic solution being considered," he reiterated, further emphasizing the urgency for international measures against the aggressor, according to ABC News and TRT Global.
In response to the escalating Russian attacks, Zelenskyy announced a strategy to enhance Ukraine's defensive capabilities, including boosting domestic production of drones and long-range weaponry. He stressed the need for a "symmetric response" to the threats posed by Russia, highlighting planned agreements with European nations to attract investment in military production. "They in Russia must feel the consequences of what they are doing against Ukraine," he asserted, reflecting a firm commitment to defend Ukraine's sovereignty, as mentioned in TRT Global and SCMP.
The ongoing conflict has seen a rapid escalation in drone warfare, with both sides exchanging strikes. Russia's military claims to have intercepted numerous Ukrainian drones in recent days amid its own aerial offensives. As the war approaches its third year, the situation remains precarious, with little sign of a ceasefire or resolution in sight, affirming Zelenskyy's concerns about the future of Ukraine's security, according to ABC News and TRT Global.