Unleashing Chaos: Russia's Aggressive Strike on Ukraine
Large-scale Russian assault on Ukraine: Casualties mounting
In the wee hours of June 1, our tired eyes were met with a sight of chaos as Russia unleashed an aggressive wave of drone and missile attacks on Ukraine. The capital, Kyiv, along with other major cities, witnessed massive assaults, leaving four souls gone too soon and a dozen injured[1]. The information was shared by Mayor Vitali Klitschko, reported by "The Kyiv Independent". Air raid alerts echoed continuously across the Ukrainian landscape[1].
The Ukrainian air force raised their voice, warning that Russian bombers had embarked on their deadly mission. Explosions resounded across the cities, yet their cause remained questionable in the initial stage[1]. As the night unfolded, several residential buildings went up in flames, and other civilian infrastructure was left engulfed in smoke[1]. Debris rained down upon various districts, and power outages threatened to overwhelm the eastern part of Kyiv[1].
The Enigma of Retaliation
The question hanging in the air was whether this relentless onslaught was the awaited grand retaliation from Russia, following Ukraine's daring strike against their bomber fleet[2]. In a covert operation spearheaded by the Ukrainian intelligence service, several Russian military bases were targeted, resulting in the destruction of over 40 aircraft[2]. The loss equated to a mind-boggling seven billion dollars (6.1 billion euros)[2], and the Russian military fleet capable of launching cruise missiles suffered a staggering 34% reduction[2].
While satellite images could verify the destruction of certain Russian bombers, the exact extent of the loss could not be confirmed[2]. The Russian military acknowledged only a few damaged aircraft at Murmansk and Irkutsk, dismissing the attacks as a terrorist act[3].
Trump's Rabble-Rousing
In the face of such devastation, the Kremlin surprisingly remained somewhat mute. However, the first whispers of fury emerged from an unlikely source - Donald Trump. Following a confidential conversation with Putin, Trump declared that Putin had "made it clear" he would respond to Ukraine's attacks[3]. In due course, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov hinted at retaliation for the strike against the bomber fleet, stating that Russia would act whenever their military deemed it necessary[3].
EU Aid in Peril, Then Resurgence
As the shroud of darkness blanketed Ukraine, the transitional trade facilitation measures by the EU went into effect [4]. After a ten-month-long war waged by Russia against their eastern neighbor, these measures were designed to support Ukraine for another three years. At precisely midnight Central European Time, the agreed-upon rules took effect, as announced by the EU Commission[4].
For a period of around 100 days since the Russian onslaught started in 2022, Ukrainian goods imported into the EU enjoyed exemption from customs duties [4]. This support aimed to boost Ukraine's economy and bolster their resolve, despite facing opposition from some EU farmers due to the competitive edge it offered[4]. As the war raged on, the measures were extended last year[4], yet stricter regulations for certain food imports into the EU were implemented[4].
[1] - https://www.thekyivindependent.com/war/russia-ukraine-war/ukraines-kyiv-evacuates-territory,- Starskyi-Yar-hit-by-series-of-missile-strikes-3559163.html[2] - https://www. Politico.eu/article/kremlin-deployed-400-drones-in-biggest-attack-on-ukraine-since-the-beginning-of-the-war/[3] - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/31/russia-says-it-will-take-stick-upon-ukraine-in-response-to-drone-attack-on-airfields[4] - https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/press/index.cfm?id=240791
In the wake of the inexplicable events unfolding between war-and-conflicts, politics, and general-news, the world awaits retaliation from Russia following Ukraine's daring strike against their bomber fleet. This sudden turn of events has sparked discussion in international politics, with Donald Trump expressing his concerns and the EU implementing aid measures to support Ukraine.
