Russian attacks on Ukraine have surged dramatically since Donald Trump resumed the presidency in January, according to a recent analysis by BBC Verify. The number of missiles and drones fired towards Ukraine has more than doubled, rising to unprecedented levels despite Trump's public calls for a ceasefire.
This escalation follows an increase in attacks during Joe Biden’s administration, but the sharpest intensification occurred after Trump's election victory in November. Throughout his campaign, Trump asserted he could swiftly end the conflict, suggesting that a different president could have prevented Russia's full-scale invasion.
Yet, critics have accused him of favoring Russia, chiefly due to the suspension of air defense supplies to Ukraine on two occasions this year – in March and July. Though these pauses were reversed, they coincided with a significant increase in Russia's missile production, noted by Ukrainian military intelligence which reported a 66% rise.
The data revealed by BBC Verify highlights that between Trump's inauguration on January 20 and July 19, Russia launched 27,158 munitions, in stark contrast to the 11,614 recorded during the last six months of Biden's term. The White House pointed to Biden's leadership as a catalyst for the ongoing conflict, high-lighting Trump's desire to cease hostilities and his proposed measures, such as selling U.S.-made weapons to NATO allies.
Intense diplomatic activities have occurred, including a summit involving U.S. and Russian officials, which sought to lay groundwork for peace discussions; however, airstrikes reached a peak of 748 strikes in a single day on July 9, leading to casualties among civilians.
Despite expressing frustration at the increasing hostilities during his tenure, Trump’s calls for negotiations have not seemingly influenced Russian strategy. Since May, Russia in some instances has even exceeded its prior record for assaults on Ukraine.
Prominent voices in the U.S. Senate argue that Trump's earlier decisions to pause weapon supplies may have emboldened Moscow, as attacks have targeted civilian infrastructure, reaffirming the call for enhanced military support for Ukraine, including advanced Patriot missile systems.
Reports indicate that Russia continues to bolster its military capabilities, with newly minted production facilities for various drones and missile systems. The potential implications of these developments are grave, as they appear to position Ukraine at greater risk against relentless aerial assaults.
Experts stress the necessity for a consistent U.S. stance on military support to maintain security and challenge perceived Kremlin aggression. As the conflict prolongs, the toll on public morale within Ukraine grows, with citizens expressing the difficult balance of endurance amid relentless attacks, underscoring the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing crisis.
