Fewer Ground Fights, More Bombing: Ukraine War Enters New Phase

The conflict in Ukraine is transitioning into a new phase, marked by a decrease in territorial ground advances and an intensification of massive missile and drone bombardments against rear areas and supply lines. This strategic shift follows Russia's largely unsuccessful spring campaign.

Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukrainian leadership of initiating a new cycle of violence, referencing a Ukrainian attack on a student dormitory in the annexed Luhansk region that resulted in 21 deaths. Moscow responded with retaliatory strikes, claiming over fifty lives. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drones reportedly struck eleven Russian regions, including areas near St. Petersburg and the Baltic port of Kronstadt.

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The leaders of Kyiv have decided to open a new page in their list of crimes, giving the conflict new shape. It is their decision.

Despite the ongoing fighting, Russian territorial gains on the front lines have been minimal since mid-2023. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) notes that Russian advances have been limited to a few dozen square kilometers since December, a stark contrast to earlier periods of the war. Independent sources suggest Russia has lost more territory than it has gained.

Ukraine, facing manpower shortages, has expanded its drone's 'kill zone' to strike cities within 50 to 90 kilometers of the front lines. Ukrainian officials confirm intensified attacks on Russia's export-oriented oil, gas, and chemical sectors, targeting plants, refineries, and port terminals. Bloomberg reports that Russia's fuel processing capacity has fallen to a 16-year low, impacting gasoline availability.

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To prevent these attacks is why the special military operation continues.