Recent military analyses show that Russia's assault on Ukraine has escalated significantly since Donald Trump resumed his presidency in January, increasing more than twofold despite Trump's vocal calls for a ceasefire. This stark rise in hostilities follows a trend initiated under former President Joe Biden's administration, but it has sharply intensified in recent months, raising alarms among military experts and political figures alike.
Between Trump's inauguration on January 20 and July 19, data gathered by BBC Verify indicates that Russia launched 27,158 aerial attacks, a striking contrast to 11,614 during Biden's last six months in office. Though Trump has pledged to end the conflict, critics suggest that his approach may inadvertently encourage the Kremlin's increased aggression.
In the run-up to his election, Trump repeatedly asserted that Russia's invasion might have been avoided if a president whom Putin respected were in charge. However, critics within and outside the political arena contend that his administration's pauses on military aid to Ukraine—enacted in March and July—coincided with an uptick in Russian missile production, which increased by 66% over the past year.
Following high-profile diplomatic meetings between U.S. officials and Russian representatives, attacks surged again after a temporary decrease, signaling Moscow's escalating assertiveness. Reports reveal that in July alone, Russia executed its most significant missile offensive to date, launching 748 attacks that resulted in numerous casualties in Ukraine.
This troubling trend raises concerns about the safety of civilians and the overall effectiveness of Ukraine's defenses. Ukrainian journalist Dasha Volk expressed the psychological toll of living under constant threat, as daily explosions and missile alerts create an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
Senator Chris Coons articulated concerns that Trump's decisions regarding military support could be interpreted as weakness by Putin, allowing for more brazen assaults on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. Calls for the U.S. to increase military support, such as supplying advanced Patriot missile systems, have gained traction amid worries over Ukraine's vulnerability.
Military analysts note that Russia is ramping up production of missiles and drones, including newly developed models likened to Iranian designs. Reports suggest that 85 ballistic missiles are being produced monthly, alongside an impressive 170 drones daily, significantly outpacing Ukrainian interception capabilities.
As the conflict drags on, civilian morale in Ukraine continues to face severe challenges. Journalists and locals alike acknowledge the exhaustion felt by those enduring the relentless bombardment, questioning the sustainability of resistance against the prolonged conflict and advocating for a comprehensive response from Western allies to counter Russian aggression.
The growing discontent and the precarious situation underscore the urgent need for a consistent and robust international response to support Ukraine and reestablish stability in the region.
