Anticipating Further Russian Action Following Ukraine Drone Attack: U.S. Warns of Complex Retaliation Strategy
United States Anticipates Severe and Unpredictable Russian Response to June 1 Ukraine Drone Attack
WASHINGTON D.C. - Accoding to anonymous US officials, the full-scale Russian retaliation for Ukraine's drone attack on June 1 has yet to unfold, but it's expected to be significant and multi-pronged. The response is expected to be asymmetrical in nature, employing various air capabilities, including missiles and drones, as well as potential cyberattacks and escalatory rhetoric concerning nuclear capabilities.
The timing of the Russian response remains uncertain, with one official suggesting it might occur within days. The expected response may involve strikes on symbolic Ukrainian targets like government buildings, in an effort to send a clear message to Kyiv.
Some experts believe that Russia may seek to punish Ukraine’s domestic security agency, the SBU, for its role in the June 1 assault. To do so, they speculate that Russia might employ intermediate-range ballistic missiles. Furthermore, targets like Ukrainian defense manufacturing centers could also be on the list.
It's worth noting that the June 6 Russian missile and drone barrage against Kyiv was just a prelude, as the US officials contend that the complete Russian response is still forthcoming. A Western diplomatic source hinted that the Russian response might already have started, but it would likely intensify in the future.
One senior Western diplomat expects a devastating assault by Moscow, describing it as "huge, vicious, and unrelenting." Despite the impending threat, they acknowledge the bravery of the Ukrainian people.
Michael Kofman, a Russia expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, offered insight, stating, "Russia's ability to substantially escalate strikes from what they are already doing - and attempting to do over the past month - is quite constrained."
Kyiv claims the June 1 attack, codenamed "Spider's Web," involved 117 unmanned aerial vehicles launched from deep within Russian territory. The US assesses that around 20 warplanes were hit, with about half of them reportedly destroyed. Despite Russia's denial, many military bloggers suggest that a dozen or more planes, including those capable of carrying nuclear weapons, were lost or seriously damaged.
Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has resulted in further casualties, with four reported deaths and at least 60 injuries in Russian strikes on Kharkiv.
In summary, the US anticipates a severe and unpredictable Russian response to Ukraine's June 1 drone attack. The expected response promises to be asymmetrical, employing a variety of methods, targeting a mix of civilian and military assets, and potentially lasting indefinitely. As the situation unfolds, it's crucial for both parties to remain vigilant and seek a diplomatic resolution to this ongoing conflict.
The ongoing political tension between Russia and Ukraine, fueled by the events of the June 1 drone attack, has prompted a heightened awareness of potential war-and-conflicts scenarios. The unpredictable Russian response, expected to be multi-faceted and dynamic, is likely to encompass various aspects of politics and general-news coverage, including air attacks, cyberattacks, and potential escalation of nuclear rhetoric.
