U.S. Prepared for Wide-Ranging Russian Attack on Ukraine, Reports Reuters
In the midst of ongoing tension, American officials predict Russia is gearing up for a major, diverse assault against Ukraine in response to the recent bombing of military airbases, according to Reuters. This potential Russian response may incorporate asymmetrical tactics, potentially aiming for symbolic targets. A Western diplomat has hinted at Moscow’s response being severe, vowing it will be "gigantic, brutal, and inscrutable."
Just a few days ago, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that drone attacks had struck airfields in multiple regions, such as Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur. Fires erupted at several planes in the first two regions, with the attacks originating from territory close to the airfields. In some instances, attackers were apprehended.
RBC Group shares that Peskov, a high-ranking Russian official, discussed how and when Moscow will respond to the attacks on airfields orchestrated by Ukraine. Regional authorities affirm that these drones had been launched from a truck. Notably, President Vladimir Zelensky has stated that Ukrainian drivers transporting these trucks were unaware of the drones hidden within their cargo. It's worth mentioning Zelensky noted that these equipment wasn't provided by Western allies, but sourced entirely by Ukraine's own special services.
Recent discussions between President Vladimir Putin and American leader Donald Trump have included Putin's firm conviction that he'll need to act in retaliation for the airfield assault. Trump reported that he asked Putin to reconsider this course of action, emphasizing the U.S.'s goal to prevent an escalation of conflicts.
In response to this information, the Kremlin declared that Russia’s response will happen when its military commands it's opportune. Interestingly enough, the following day, Russia launched a massive strike against design bureaus and manufacturing enterprises for weapon production and repair in Ukraine. The Russian Ministry of Defense later announced a simultaneous attack on various factories within Ukraine's military-industrial complex.
Overall, based on current data, here’s the latest situation surrounding Russia's expected response to attacks on military airfields, both within Ukraine and on Russian territory:
- Russian Counterattack on Ukrainian Military Targets:
- After the Ukrainian "Operation Spider Web" reported a string of drone raids on Russian military bases, Russia escalated with its own large-scale drone and missile attacks on Ukraine[1][2].
- Despite earlier warnings of a stern response from President Putin, Russia has mainly remained silent in response to the specific drone attacks on its airbases. However, Russia’s military has been ramping up strikes against Ukraine[3].
- Escalating Diplomacy and Politics:
- Diplomatic efforts, including direct talks between Ukraine and Russia, have been complex and have yet to result in meaningful de-escalation[2][3].
- Russia has been accused of employing military operations to negotiate with the West on arms control treaties with the United States[1].
- Persistent Military Operations:
- Ukraine continues to use drones to carry out attacks on Russian military targets[1].
- Russia claims to have thwarted large numbers of Ukrainian drones in recent days, demonstrating the ongoing nature of these confrontations[3].
- The ongoing military hostilities and potential responses have become significant aspects in the realm of war-and-conflicts, politics, and general-news, with Russia escalating its attacks against Ukraine following Ukrainian drone raids on Russian military bases.
- The diplomatic efforts between Ukraine and Russia have been complex and contentious, and they have yet to lead to a meaningful de-escalation, underscoring the involvement of politics in these war-and-conflicts.
