Russia intensifies drone strikes in Ukraine despite Trump's ultimatum

Russia stepped up its drone strikes in Ukraine in July , reaching a record high since the start of the invasion in 2022. According to an AFP analysis based on data from the Ukrainian Air Force, 6,297 long-range drones were launched , representing a 16% increase from the previous month and marking the third consecutive month with rising numbers.

This air offensive has included a large number of decoy drones , the aim of which is to saturate Ukrainian air defense systems. Furthermore, the use of missiles also tripled : between January and June, 77 were launched, then 239, and in July the number rose to 198.

The consequences of these attacks have been felt every night in major Ukrainian cities. Air raid sirens force civilians to take refuge in bathrooms, basements, or subway stations, while the bombing continues.

One of the most tragic episodes occurred early Thursday morning, when a Russian airstrike on Kyiv left at least 31 dead , according to the most recent toll. Among the victims were five children, one of them just two years old , making the attack one of the deadliest in the capital since February 2022.

The following Friday, rescue teams continued to recover bodies from the rubble. Some residents visited the affected area to pay tribute to the deceased, laying flowers and toys in memory of the children.

This attack came just days after former US President Donald Trump issued a ten-day ultimatum to Vladimir Putin to end the war , a deadline that expires this Friday. Despite this, the attacks intensified.

In contrast to the military offensive, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Friday that he desires a "lasting and stable peace." However, he maintained that the conditions for achieving it "remain the same," which, in practice, represents an obstacle to any agreement.

The Kremlin's demands include:

• The transfer of four Ukrainian regions partially occupied by Russia: Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.
• The final delivery of Crimea , annexed in 2014.
• Ukraine should renounce receiving Western weapons .
• And to abandon its aspiration to join NATO .

These conditions are considered unacceptable by the Ukrainian government , which maintains its position of not ceding sovereign territory or accepting a disguised surrender.

Faced with this situation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy again invited Putin to a direct meeting to negotiate a solution to the conflict. He stated via Telegram that "Ukraine proposes moving to negotiations between leaders," moving away from the technical rounds that have yielded no results.

Since the invasion began, the two sides have held three rounds of formal negotiations , without achieving concrete progress toward a ceasefire. The Kremlin has rejected the idea of a pause in hostilities, arguing that it would be a strategic advantage for Ukrainian troops .

Meanwhile, frustration is growing in international circles , including among Donald Trump's supporters, who had hoped the ultimatum would have some real impact on Moscow.

Faced with increased bombing, Ukraine has asked its allies for more air defense systems , particularly Patriot launchers capable of intercepting missiles and drones.

In response, Germany announced it will deliver two Patriot systems in the coming days as part of an agreement with the United States. This decision comes at a critical time for the defense of major Ukrainian cities, which have been constantly targeted by attacks.

On another front, Russia claimed to have taken control of Chasiv Yar , a strategic town in Donetsk, although Ukrainian forces in the area denied this version.

Despite international calls for a negotiated solution and Trump's ultimatum, Russia continues to escalate its attacks in Ukraine , systematically using drones and missiles. Putin talks about peace, but his conditions remain unacceptable to Kiev , while Zelensky insists on direct negotiations that have yet to materialize. On the ground, the war continues to claim lives, and the risk of escalation lingers.