A recent analysis from BBC Verify indicates that since Donald Trump's inauguration in January, Russian aerial attacks on Ukraine have more than doubled. This surge comes off the heels of a steady increase during Joe Biden's presidency in 2024. Following Trump's victory in November 2023, recorded assaults from Moscow have hit new highs amidst the ongoing conflict. Despite Trump’s campaign pledges to secure an end to fighting within a day, critics assert that his approach has at times tilted towards Russia, particularly following pauses in military aid to Ukraine this year.
Russian Aerial Attacks on Ukraine Surge Post-Trump's Inauguration
Russian Aerial Attacks on Ukraine Surge Post-Trump's Inauguration
As Donald Trump takes office again, drone and missile strikes on Ukraine from Russia have soared.
Between January 20 and July 19, 2024, Russia executed 27,158 munitions strikes, compared to 11,614 during Biden's last six months in office. White House deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly attributed these developments to Biden’s mismanagement. She claimed Trump's stance involves supplying NATO allies with weapons and applying pressure on Putin through tariffs and sanctions. Initially, under Trump's administration, the frequency of attacks dipped temporarily before escalating once more by February 2024.
Despite Trump's vocal frustration over Kremlin actions, efforts to reach a ceasefire have seemingly not affected Moscow’s offensive strategies. He has demanded a peace agreement with Ukraine by August 8, although attacks continue unabated with daily missile and drone interceptions, particularly around Kyiv, causing unrest among civilians. A resident remarked on the anxiety from constant bombardments as alarming and life-altering.
Amidst the aggressive Russian tactics, calls for additional military support for Ukraine have intensified, stressing the need for advanced air defense systems like Patriot batteries. This year, Russia has notably increased missile and drone production capabilities, reinforcing fears that the intensification of assaults reflects a harmful perception of American weakness. Analysts and U.S. politicians alike underscore the need for a solidified U.S. commitment to support Ukraine in its fight against aggression.
As the conflict drags on, public spirits oscillate, with fatigue setting in among Ukrainians. The populace remains resolute, but prolonged hostilities threaten to erode public morale, according to local journalist Dasha Volk.
The escalating situation in Ukraine underscores the critical nature of international response and military support amidst a growing crisis.
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What do you want BBC Verify to investigate?
White House
War in Ukraine
Russia
Donald Trump
Vladimir Putin
United States
Despite Trump's vocal frustration over Kremlin actions, efforts to reach a ceasefire have seemingly not affected Moscow’s offensive strategies. He has demanded a peace agreement with Ukraine by August 8, although attacks continue unabated with daily missile and drone interceptions, particularly around Kyiv, causing unrest among civilians. A resident remarked on the anxiety from constant bombardments as alarming and life-altering.
Amidst the aggressive Russian tactics, calls for additional military support for Ukraine have intensified, stressing the need for advanced air defense systems like Patriot batteries. This year, Russia has notably increased missile and drone production capabilities, reinforcing fears that the intensification of assaults reflects a harmful perception of American weakness. Analysts and U.S. politicians alike underscore the need for a solidified U.S. commitment to support Ukraine in its fight against aggression.
As the conflict drags on, public spirits oscillate, with fatigue setting in among Ukrainians. The populace remains resolute, but prolonged hostilities threaten to erode public morale, according to local journalist Dasha Volk.
The escalating situation in Ukraine underscores the critical nature of international response and military support amidst a growing crisis.
---
What do you want BBC Verify to investigate?
White House
War in Ukraine
Russia
Donald Trump
Vladimir Putin
United States
