**Ukraine’s President Vows to Continue “Entirely Justified” Strikes on Russia**
In a defiant address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to continue inflicting losses on Russia in response to escalating aggression. This comes just two days after Russia launched a devastating attack on the capital city of Kyiv, killing 30 people and injuring 172 others.
**Russia’s Brutal Assault**
On June 17, Russian forces bombed Kyiv with ballistic missiles and hundreds of drones over a nine-hour period. The attack struck residential buildings, student dorms, and even a kindergarten. Zelensky described the assault as “deliberate terror,” refuting Moscow’s claims that it targeted Ukraine’s military-industrial complex.
**Ukraine’s Response**
Zelensky urged Western partners to impose economic pressure on Russia and hinted at new proposals for coordinated sanctions. He also revealed meetings with Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) to discuss deep strikes in Russian territory. The Ukrainian president emphasized that “Russia must continue to suffer entirely justified losses due to its aggression.”
**Escalating Conflict**
As tensions escalate, Ukraine has stepped up its efforts to reduce Russia’s military capabilities. Kyiv has launched successful strikes on airfields, weapons factories, and oil refineries. One of the most significant attacks was Operation Spiderweb, a coordinated drone strike that damaged 41 Russian warplanes, including heavy bombers and rare A-50 spy planes.
**Western Support Fading**
Despite repeated offers to declare an unconditional ceasefire if Russia agrees to similar terms, the Kremlin has refused at every turn. US President Donald Trump’s attempts to broker a peace deal have led to continued escalation and more civilian deaths. With Western support eroding and no ceasefire in sight, Ukraine is grasping for leverage against Moscow.
**Ukraine’s Long-Range Strikes**
In an effort to counter Russia’s aggression, Ukraine has been developing its own long-range weapons capable of deep strikes within Russian territory. Kyiv has developed several missile-drone hybrids, including the Palianytsia and Peklo (Hell) missiles. Ukraine has proven its ability to strike targets far from the border, with a recent attack reportedly hitting a drone factory in Russia’s Tatarstan.
**Russia’s Staggering Troop Losses**
Russia is also suffering staggering troop losses on the front lines. Earlier this month, Russian Ambassador Andrey Kelin accidentally admitted that Moscow is rapidly losing personnel in Ukraine during an interview with CNN. According to figures from Kyiv, Russia has suffered over 1 million dead, wounded, and missing soldiers since the start of its full-scale invasion.
**The Battle for Leverage**
As tensions continue to escalate, Ukraine’s President Zelensky remains resolute in his vow to continue “entirely justified” strikes on Russia. With Western support fading and no ceasefire in sight, Kyiv is determined to grasp for leverage against Moscow, hoping to bring an end to the brutal conflict.
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