The Ukraine war, which started in 2014 after Russia annexed Crimea and supported separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine, has entered a new and dangerous phase in 2023. Since June, Ukraine has launched a counteroffensive against the Russian-backed forces, using long-range missiles, artillery, and explosive drones to target key infrastructure and military assets in Russia and Crimea. The aim is to disrupt and degrade Russia's ability to sustain its invasion of Ukraine, and to inflict as much damage and casualties as possible.
The use of drones, in particular, has become a prominent feature of the Ukrainian strategy. Drones are cheap, easy to operate, and hard to detect and intercept. They can carry explosives or cameras, and can be used for reconnaissance, surveillance, or attack. Ukraine has reportedly acquired hundreds of drones from Turkey, Israel, and the United States, and has also developed its own models. Some of the drones used by Ukraine include the Bayraktar TB2, the Orbiter 3, the Spectator-M1, and the Neptune.
The Ukrainian drones have hit several Russian regions in recent months, causing fires, explosions, injuries, and deaths. Some of the regions affected include Pskov, Bryansk, Belgorod, Smolensk, Kaluga, Oryol, Ryazan, Krasnodar, and Crimea. The targets include military bases, airports, fuel depots, factories, bridges, power plants, communication towers, and civilian areas. The attacks have also disrupted air traffic and transportation in some regions.
These attacks followed a major strike on Friday night (September 29th), when Ukraine claimed responsibility for a missile attack that hit the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea fleet in Sevastopol. The attack marked the seventh anniversary of Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. According to Ukrainian officials, the attack destroyed several buildings and vehicles at the naval base, killed at least 20 Russian servicemen, and wounded dozens more. Russia confirmed the attack but did not provide any details on the casualties or damage
The Ukrainian attacks have provoked a strong reaction from Russia. Moscow has vowed to retaliate and make Ukraine pay for its aggression. Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Kyiv of violating the Minsk agreements, which were signed in 2015 to end the conflict in eastern Ukraine. He has also warned that Russia will not tolerate any threats to its security or sovereignty. Russia has deployed more troops and weapons to its border with Ukraine and to Crimea. It has also conducted several military exercises and drills in the region.
The escalation of violence between Ukraine and Russia has raised concerns among the international community. The United States and its allies have expressed their support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. They have also condemned Russia's aggression and called for a peaceful resolution of the conflict. They have provided military aid and training to Ukraine, as well as diplomatic and economic sanctions against Russia. However, they have also urged both sides to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation.
The Ukraine war is one of the most serious conflicts in Europe since the end of the Cold War. It has claimed over 14,000 lives and displaced over a million people. It has also strained the relations between Russia and the West. The use of drones by Ukraine has added a new dimension to the war, making it more unpredictable and dangerous. It remains to be seen whether the two sides can find a way to de-escalate the situation and resume dialogue for a peaceful solution.
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