On June 8, Russian forces launched another large-scale combined air attack targeting Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. Drones, ballistic, and cruise missiles were used in the assault, resulting in disruptions to electricity, heating, and water supplies in several regions.
Ukraine’s air defense demonstrated significant effectiveness by shooting down 14 of 18 ballistic missiles, 13 of 15 Kh-101 cruise missiles, and 315 of 339 drones and drone simulators. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated these results were possible thanks to the delivery of new air defense missiles right before the attack.
Russian media openly state that their goal is to force Ukrainians to surrender and create unlivable conditions for civilians. Experts emphasize that such attacks show signs of genocide and are aimed at exhausting Ukraine morally and physically.
Simultaneously, Ukraine is developing drone-based air defenses and calls for ongoing public support for the military, especially through donations towards drone interceptors and related equipment.
Internationally, discussions have intensified regarding the creation of a so-called “Peace Council,” proposed by former US President Donald Trump as an alternative to the UN. Countries invited to join include China, Hungary, Argentina, Belarus, and Russia. According to media reports, France is considering declining participation while Ukraine’s position is still under consideration.
Against this backdrop, European leaders discuss the idea of a new security alliance without US involvement, seeking to bolster European security amid changing US strategies and growing security risks.
The Ukrainian government underscores the ongoing need to support the army and reinforce security, amid continuing war and shifts in international approaches to security guarantees.
