Russia’s aerial assault on Ukraine has entered a new phase of intensity, with targeted missile, bomb, and drone strikes battering cities across the country. On Friday, officials reported a series of devastating nighttime attacks that further demonstrate Russia’s increasing reliance on air power. Ukrainian officials warn that they need more Western support to counter these aerial onslaughts, especially with uncertainty growing over the future of U.S. assistance under the newly elected president, Donald Trump.
As Russia’s airstrikes grow bolder, it’s clear that Ukraine’s military is under increasing pressure to defend against a rising tide of drone and missile attacks. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly stressed the urgency of more international aid, even as doubts grow about the level of support Kyiv can expect moving forward.
Russian Missiles, Drones, and Bombs Strike Civilians
Friday’s attack was a harsh reminder of Russia’s military strategy. Aerial bombings, combined with missile strikes and drone attacks, have become the primary method of assault. These attacks are not limited to military targets—civilian infrastructure is also a key focus. Here’s a breakdown of the latest casualties and destruction:
- Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, was struck in the early hours by a 1,000-pound glide bomb, causing significant damage to a high-rise apartment building. At least 25 people, including an infant, were injured in the explosion.
- In Odesa, a Russian drone attack killed one civilian and injured nine others.
- Kyiv, the capital, was not spared either. Wreckage from intercepted Russian missiles injured four people in the city centre.
Ukraine’s air defence systems continue to intercept many of the incoming missiles and drones. According to the Ukrainian air force, 92 drones and five missiles were fired during the night, with 62 drones and four missiles successfully intercepted. However, despite these defences, the sheer scale of the attack still leaves Ukraine vulnerable.
The Increasing Threat of Russian Drones
The escalation in the use of Russian drones is particularly concerning. The U.K. Defence Ministry recently reported that Russia launched over 2,000 drones at Ukraine in October 2024 alone, marking a one-third increase in comparison to September. It’s becoming clear that Russia’s strategy is to overwhelm Ukraine’s defences with sheer numbers of drones.
For Ukraine, these attacks are particularly devastating because drones are not only difficult to intercept but can also be used to target both military installations and civilian areas indiscriminately. Many of the drones Russia is using are equipped with high explosives, making them lethal even when they miss their intended target.
Moreover, these drones are often used in combination with other aerial weapons, such as glide bombs and cruise missiles, which make the attacks even harder to defend against.
Why Does Ukraine Need More Western Support?
The escalating frequency of Russian airstrikes has prompted urgent calls for more Western support. Ukrainian officials are openly calling for advanced air defence systems, better countermeasures for drones, and more missiles to defend against the onslaught. Ukraine has already received some Western military aid, but officials say it is insufficient to counter the evolving tactics employed by Russia.
In his Telegram post, President Zelensky highlighted the importance of international unity in responding to Russia’s aggression:
“It is important to act together and decisively at the international level every time Russia tries to destroy our lives. This is the only way to achieve a just peace and stop the deaths of our people.”
Uncertainty Looms Over U.S. Support Under Trump
The uncertainty surrounding Western support is particularly acute in the context of the newly elected U.S. president, Donald Trump. While Trump has previously expressed support for Ukraine, his position has been inconsistent. Some critics fear that the new administration could reduce military aid or pressure Ukraine to negotiate with Russia.
This uncertainty has raised questions about the future of NATO support for Ukraine, especially as the U.S. is one of the largest contributors to Ukraine’s military aid. The next few months could be crucial in determining whether Ukraine receives the equipment it needs to defend itself or if it faces a critical shortfall in military assistance.
The Human Cost of the Aerial Assault
The war in Ukraine has already taken a terrible toll on civilian lives. According to the United Nations, over 10,000 civilians have been killed since Russia’s invasion began nearly three years ago. The vast majority of these deaths have occurred as a result of Russian airstrikes, artillery shelling, and missile attacks on populated areas.
In Kharkiv, the attack on the high-rise apartment building is a stark reminder of the human cost of war. Glide bombs, which Ukraine has no effective countermeasure for, are designed to cause maximum destruction. The shockwave from these bombs can flatten entire buildings, leaving behind massive craters and wreckage. These types of weapons are particularly dangerous because they can’t be intercepted by Ukraine’s air defences, which are more effective against missiles and drones.
While the Ukrainian government has prioritised defending its civilians, the constant bombardment is pushing the limits of Ukraine’s ability to safeguard its population. Western nations, including the United States and European allies, have been urged to step up their military and humanitarian support to prevent further civilian casualties.
The Road Ahead: Will Russia’s Air Campaign Escalate?
Russia’s aerial campaign is unlikely to abate any time soon. In fact, the U.K. Defence Ministry has predicted that the high rate of drone and missile launches will become the new normal. As Russia continues to pour resources into these air campaigns, Ukrainian forces will be pushed to the limit.
However, there is also the possibility that international pressure could force Russia to negotiate. The United Nations has called for a ceasefire and for peace talks to begin. But whether Russia will be willing to engage in meaningful dialogue remains uncertain. Given that Russia’s aerial attacks continue to target civilians, it’s hard to see how peace talks could make progress without significant changes on the ground.
Conclusion: A Call for Immediate Action
The international community must take urgent steps to help Ukraine defend itself. Whether through advanced air defence systems, counter-drone technologies, or increased military aid, Ukraine needs more support to counter the rising tide of Russian aerial attacks. The stakes are high, and the humanitarian cost continues to mount. Now more than ever, it’s crucial that the world stands with Ukraine.
