In a shocking turn of events, Russia unleashed a barrage of over 90 drone strikes on Ukraine during the early hours of the new year. The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed that the southern port city of Odessa was attacked by an unmanned Russian drone, resulting in the tragic death of a teenager and injuries to at least seven other individuals. These strikes come in the wake of Friday's massive assaults by Russia, prompting Ukraine to declare New Year's Day as a day of mourning in the capital city of Kiev. The attacks in Kiev alone claimed the lives of 28 people, and the total death toll across the country reached 53. This represents Russia's most extensive aerial assault on Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict.
According to experts, Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to be taking advantage of the holiday season and the psychological impact it may have on the Ukrainian population. However, this does not diminish the severity of the attacks, which were highly significant in scale. Some speculate that the increased naval presence in the Black Sea may have influenced the timing of these strikes, and it is likely that future attacks will involve naval weaponry.
Importantly, Putin's aggression stems from a perceived weakness in Western support for Ukraine. He believes that there is a lack of resolve from the West, including the United States, to continue backing Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Putin's comments vowing increased strikes on Ukraine further reinforce his intent to take advantage of this perceived vulnerability.
Evidence suggests that Putin's remarks are specifically aimed at the Russian domestic audience. He wants to assure his people that he will not tolerate any attacks by Ukraine and is prepared to respond forcefully. This rhetoric is crucial for maintaining domestic support, as it was unexpected for Putin and his inner circle to anticipate attacks on Russian soil during this conflict. Failure to address the concerns of the Russian public could lead to protests and discontent, something that Putin is well aware of based on past experiences in conflicts like Afghanistan and Chechnya.
While Putin has proven adept at suppressing protests through the use of internal security forces, one group he must be cautious of is the mothers and families of fallen soldiers. Historically, their protests have resonated strongly in Russia, even to the point of challenging Putin's authority. The power of these groups lies in the difficulty of repressing grieving mothers and grandmothers who refuse to be silenced. Given the upcoming election in Russia, where Putin's victory is already guaranteed, he is eager to maintain control and avoid any disruptive incidents on the streets.
The situation in Ukraine remains highly critical, with the recent drone strikes exacerbating tensions between Russia and the West. As international pressure mounts, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution to this ongoing conflict.
