Since Donald Trump took office in January, Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukraine have surged, more than doubling compared to the final months of the previous administration, according to a new analysis by BBC Verify. Recorded attacks from Moscow reached unprecedented levels, raising alarms about the ongoing conflict and its escalation.
Analyzing daily reports from the Ukrainian Air Force indicates that between January 20 and July 19, Russia launched 27,158 projectiles, a dramatic increase from the 11,614 recorded during the last six months of Joe Biden’s presidency. Despite Trump’s campaign promise to swiftly end the fighting, his administration’s approach has faced scrutiny, particularly regarding the pauses in military assistance to Ukraine.
During Trump's campaign, he asserted that a president respected by Russia could have prevented the ongoing war. Critics argue that his actions, which included suspensions of air defense munitions deliveries, may have emboldened the Kremlin. Ukrainian military intelligence suggests Russia has ramped up ballistic missile production by an alarming 66% over the past year.
In recent weeks, after intensive diplomatic efforts led by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, attacks surged once again. Notably, on July 9, Russia launched its largest strike to date, firing 748 munitions which caused casualties among civilians. Local Ukrainian residents, such as journalist Dasha Volk, described the relentless fear that accompanies daily life in the capital, Kyiv.
Political reactions have been mixed, with some U.S. senators expressing concern that Trump's strategy may have inadvertently given Russia the green light to intensify its hostilities. Calls for fresh military aid, including advanced Patriot missile defense systems, are gaining momentum as lawmakers urge the administration to stand firm against Russian aggression.
Not only has the war's toll on Ukrainian civilians escalated, but public morale is also dwindling amid the ongoing assaults. Analysts have noted that factors such as increasing Russian drone and missile production capabilities complicate the situation further. As the conflict rages on, observers emphasize that maintaining a consistent strategy is key to achieving a peaceful resolution. With every passing day, the challenges of the conflict become more daunting for those living in its midst.
