Volodymyr Zelensky's major revenge on Russia after Kyiv suffers massive ballistic attack

Ukraine launched a series of retaliatory strikes against Russia following a major ballistic missile attack on Kyiv, according to multiple reports. The assault on the capital, described by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as one of the largest such attacks since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, prompted Kyiv to intensify its offensive operations across Russian territory. These strikes reportedly targeted key economic and military assets, including oil depots, shadow fleet vessels, and power infrastructure in occupied Crimea. The retaliation began with a wave of drone attacks directed at Moscow, accompanied by strikes on three oil depots and a fuel storage facility in Russia’s Stavropol region. In addition, Ukrainian forces attacked three Russian "shadow fleet" oil tankers in the Black Sea, while four more Russian ships were struck in both the Azov and Black Seas. These actions aim to expose vulnerabilities in Russia’s defense capabilities and reduce its capacity to sustain the war effort financially. According to Ukrainian intelligence assessments, over the past 12 days, Kyiv has targeted 160 of the Kremlin’s shadow fleet vessels. This sustained campaign has significantly impacted Moscow’s ability to fund its military operations. The attacks on Moscow itself included more than 400 kamikaze drones, causing fires at logistics hubs, an oil depot, and residential areas. The scale of these strikes underscores the growing intensity of the conflict and the strategic focus on disrupting Russia’s economic lifelines. The Russian ballistic missile attack on Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine occurred earlier in the week, resulting in at least six deaths and nearly 20 injuries. Despite the heavy toll, Ukraine has continued to launch counterattacks, though it faces challenges in defending against such assaults. Reports indicate that Kyiv lacks sufficient Patriot missile defense systems to effectively intercept incoming ballistic missiles, leaving the city vulnerable to future strikes. In response to the escalating situation, former U.S. president Donald Trump has expressed willingness to provide Ukraine with licenses to manufacture Patriot systems domestically. Such authorization could potentially enhance Kyiv’s defensive capabilities, although experts suggest that producing these advanced systems within Ukraine might take several years. This delay highlights the urgent need for immediate support to protect Ukrainian cities from further devastation. Security analysts note that the frequency of strikes between Moscow and Kyiv has increased as both sides strive to gain an advantage. Ukraine’s relentless attacks on Russian oil refineries, gas depots, and logistics hubs have had tangible effects on the Kremlin’s economy and supply chains to frontline troops. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin is aware of the destructive potential of ballistic attacks on Ukraine, given Kyiv’s limited ability to defend against them. Across Ukraine, cities continue to face heightened threats, with at least 28 fatalities recorded in the southern Odesa region during July alone. Odesa has been particularly affected, experiencing frequent attacks that have forced civilians into underground shelters. The constant barrage of air raids has created a climate of fear and uncertainty among the population, compounding the humanitarian crisis already unfolding in the region. Russian authorities have ramped up their use of ballistic missiles in an attempt to counter Ukrainian strikes on oil facilities deep within Russian territory. This strategy has led to severe fuel shortages impacting both military and civilian sectors. The rapid deployment of these missiles, over 107 in less than three weeks, has surpassed Russia’s estimated monthly production capacity, indicating a possible depletion of its stockpile. As the conflict enters a new phase marked by intensified exchanges, the international community watches closely for signs of escalation or de-escalation.