**Ukraine Responds with Force as Russia Continues Aerial Assault**
In a dramatic escalation of the conflict, Ukraine’s military has launched a series of counterattacks against Russian forces, following a barrage of airstrikes and artillery attacks from Moscow. According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Ukrainian territory was targeted by 59 airstrikes in just 24 hours, with 117 aerial missiles dropped on various locations.
The surge in Russian aggression comes as President Vladimir Putin refused to consider a ceasefire proposal from the EU and US, citing the need for “appropriate agreements” before any truce could be negotiated. This move effectively dismissed any hope of an immediate end to hostilities, leaving Ukraine’s military with no choice but to respond in kind.
**Russian Forces Widen Their Attack**
Russian occupation forces have not only increased their aerial attacks but also deployed large numbers of kamikaze drones and artillery systems against Ukrainian settlements. According to official reports, 2,882 kamikaze drones were launched, accompanied by 5,366 artillery attacks, including 157 from multiple launch rocket systems. The Russian military targeted areas in the Sumy, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
**Ukraine Strikes Back**
In response to this onslaught, Ukraine’s Defense Forces have launched a series of strikes against Russian positions. Rocket and artillery units hit three concentrations of Russian troops and equipment, as well as five artillery systems. The “Steel Border” unit of the State Border Guard Service also played a crucial role in these counterattacks, with their FPV drone operators destroying a shelter containing Russian personnel, a communications antenna, and two quad bikes.
**A Message from Ukraine**
The fact that Ukraine’s military is not only holding its ground but also striking back against the Russian occupation forces sends a clear message to Moscow: they will not be intimidated or defeated without a fight. This resilience in the face of overwhelming odds has been a hallmark of Ukraine’s response to the conflict, and it suggests that the country remains determined to defend itself and its people.
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