Latest news with #UNHumanRightsMonitoringMission
01-08-2025
- Politics
Russia launches 6,400 drones, missiles into Ukraine in record-breaking month
LONDON -- More than three years into Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukrainians across the country retreat each night to bomb shelters and metro stations in a nightly ritual necessitated by the long reach of Moscow's drones and missiles. This summer, Ukrainians are spending more time in such shelters than ever before. The first bombardments of Kyiv and other major cities began in the early morning of Feb. 24, 2022, as Russian troops surged across Ukraine's borders on several axes. In the years since, the attacks have never stopped. Through July, Russia launched a record 6,443 drones and missiles into the country, according to data published by the Ukrainian air force. The total is the highest of the war to date, and around 13% more than were recorded in June. The scale and complexity of Russia's drone and missile barrages have steadily increased through the war. The Iranian-designed Shahed strike drone -- adopted enthusiastically by the Russian military and rebranded as the Geran -- has become the workhorse of Moscow's nightly harassment of Ukrainian cities and vital infrastructure. For many Ukrainians, the "flying mopeds," as the Shahed and Geran variants have become known due to their distinctive sound, are emblematic of the Russian threat. The strikes are terrorizing and deadly. June saw the highest monthly level of Ukrainian civilian casualties in more than three years, according to data published by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine -- 232 people killed and 1,343 people injured. Neither Russia nor Ukraine publish data detailing the scale of their own strike campaigns. Ukraine's air force publishes a daily tally of Russian drone and missile strikes, while Russia's Defense Ministry only publishes figures of Ukrainian drones shot down. July marked a high-water mark for Russian drone attacks on Ukraine. Data published by the Ukrainian air force and analyzed by ABC News recorded a total of 6,245 attack and decoy drones launched into the country over the past month at an average rate of around 201 per day. Russia also launched 198 missiles, with an average of more than six each day. Though Ukraine's interception rate is significant, plenty of projectiles arrive with devastating effect. July saw around 89% of drones and around 61% of missiles shot down or otherwise suppressed. By comparison, June saw 5,438 drones and 239 missiles fired into Ukraine, with a daily average of 181 drones and nearly eight missiles. The air force downed or suppressed 87.2% of all drones and 73% of missiles during June. And in May, Russia launched a total of 3,835 drones and 117 missiles, for an average of around 124 drones and nearly four missiles each day. Across the month, 85.7% of drones and 57% of missiles were shot down or suppressed. "Right now, Ukraine sees around 300 to 400 drones attacking civilian targets every day -- these types of numbers were unheard of in 2023 or 2024," Yuriy Boyechko, the founder and CEO of the Hope for Ukraine charity, told ABC News. Moscow shows no sign of letting up. Russian officials and media have made much of the country's growing drone production capabilities. A recent report by the Zvezda television channel, for example, showed operations at a Geran factory in Alabuga in Russia's Republic of Tatarstan, with workers constructing and piling up dozens of attack drones ready for delivery. The design of the attack drones is ever-evolving. The first were light gray-colored craft flying low and relatively slow to their targets, carrying high-explosive and fragmentation payloads and powered by turbines. More recently, Geran variants painted black with special material to hide from radar fly higher and with tortuous routes to evade Ukrainian defense teams. Some are armed with thermobaric warheads, are armored and some are powered by jet engines. Ukrainian defenders have also reported that recent Gerans are using AI targeting systems. Russian forces may soon be able to launch 1,000 to 2,000 drones per day, according to recent warnings issued by the Institute for the Study of War think tank and German Maj. Gen. Christian Freuding. Pasi Paroinen, an OSINT analyst at the Finland-based Black Bird Group, told ABC News he believes it feasible that Russia could soon launch 1,000 drones per night. The drone barrages are effective and relatively affordable. Various estimates for the cost of domestically-produced Gerans range from around $10,000 to $50,000. Though the Western sanctions campaign has complicated Russian military procurement efforts, components from Western companies are still found in their dozens in downed Gerans -- a fact repeatedly highlighted by frustrated officials in Kyiv. The mix of strike and decoy drones poses a "very nasty" problem for Ukraine's thinly-stretched air defense, Paroinen said. "They have been doing pretty well intercepting them overall. But it's also tying up Ukrainian manpower -- they have to have those groups of mobile anti-aircraft groups rolling around the countryside, shooting these things down." "The general consensus among analysts is that this is going to be a major problem," Paroinen said. "And this is a production capability that won't be going away, even if the war ends it will still have implications for the rest of Europe as well, that Russia will be able to produce and stockpile these weapons in pretty intense numbers." President Donald Trump's repeated interventions seem to also have failed to move the needle. The president has repeatedly expressed his frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin's continuation and expansion of drone and missile strikes on Ukraine. Putin, Trump said earlier this month, "talks nice and then bombs everybody." Ukraine has used its own fast-evolving drone arsenal to target drone production facilities deep inside Russia, but to little apparent avail. Kyiv is increasing the intensity of its drone attacks into Russia. Across July, the Defense Ministry in Moscow reported downing 3,008 Ukrainian drones at an average of around 97 per day. In June, the ministry reported downing a total of 2,368 Ukrainian drones, with an average of almost 79 drones per day across the month. Those figures were down from May, during which the ministry said it shot down 3,611 drones with an average of 116 per day. But, Paroinen said, there is little Ukraine can do about Russia's growing drone production capability. "It's far enough away from the front lines that there are not really that many weapons that can reach it. Maybe some very long-range drones, but overall, trying to destroy such a factory is beyond their means," he said. "To take down a big industrial complex really takes a lot more firepower and explosives than they can deliver, even if they launch hundreds of drones and have dozens of them hit the target," he continued. "It's not that easy -- and usually the damage can be repaired pretty quickly."
Saudi Gazette
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Russia strikes shopping center in eastern Ukraine with 500-kilogram bomb
KYIV — Russia attacked a shopping centre in the eastern Ukrainian town of Dobropillia with a FAB-type 500-kg aerial bomb, killing at least four people and injuring 27 others, regional officials reported Thursday. Fifty-four retail outlets, 304 apartments, and eight vehicles have been struck, and a fire broke out following the attack, the head of the Donetsk regional military administration said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the strike as "simply horrific" and said there was "no military logic" to it. 'This is horrendous, dumb Russian terror. Simply an attempt to kill as many as possible. Russia is all about vile strikes like this.' Dobropillia is a town located in the west of the Donetsk region, approximately 15 kilometres from the front line. Russian forces are attempting to advance towards it from the southeast. A glide aerial bomb is a basic, often primitive air-dropped bomb modified with wings and frequently equipped with a satellite navigation system, allowing it to be launched from a distance rather than directly over a — an acronym for "high-explosive aerial bomb" in Russian — is one of the most widely used bombs since Soviet times and is actively employed by Russia in its all-out war against aerial bombs have become a serious threat to Ukrainian infrastructure and frontline cities. They are used in strikes against Ukrainian Armed Forces positions, logistics hubs, bridges and industrial facilities, as they are most effective against static to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, Russian glide bombs killed 360 and injured 1,861 Ukrainian civilians in 2024, a threefold increase in fatalities and a sixfold increase in injuries compared to forces employ various sizes of glide bombs, weighing 250, 500, or 1,000 kilograms. The most powerful in Russia's arsenal is the FAB-3000, a three-tone high-explosive bomb, which the Russian Defence Ministry claimed has gone into mass bombs are highly destructive and very difficult to shoot down. Unlike missiles, they do not have a propulsion system, so they don't generate much heat and are therefore largely immune to interception by infrared homing missiles. — Euronews
Euronews
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Russia strikes shopping centre in eastern Ukraine with 500-kg bomb
Russia attacked a shopping centre in the eastern Ukrainian town of Dobropillia with a FAB-type 500-kg aerial bomb, killing at least two people and injuring 28 others, regional officials reported Wednesday. Fifty-four retail outlets, 304 apartments, and eight vehicles have been struck, and a fire broke out following the attack, the head of the Donetsk regional military administration said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the strike as "simply horrific" and said there was "no military logic" to it. 'This is horrendous, dumb Russian terror. Simply an attempt to kill as many as possible. Russia is all about vile strikes like this.' Dobropillia is a town located in the west of the Donetsk region, approximately 15 kilometres from the front line. Russian forces are attempting to advance towards it from the southeast. A glide aerial bomb is a basic, often primitive air-dropped bomb modified with wings and frequently equipped with a satellite navigation system, allowing it to be launched from a distance rather than directly over a target. FAB — an acronym for "high-explosive aerial bomb" in Russian — is one of the most widely used bombs since Soviet times and is actively employed by Russia in its all-out war against Ukraine. These aerial bombs have become a serious threat to Ukrainian infrastructure and frontline cities. They are used in strikes against Ukrainian Armed Forces positions, logistics hubs, bridges and industrial facilities, as they are most effective against static targets. According to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, Russian glide bombs killed 360 and injured 1,861 Ukrainian civilians in 2024, a threefold increase in fatalities and a sixfold increase in injuries compared to 2023. Russian forces employ various sizes of glide bombs, weighing 250, 500, or 1,000 kilograms. The most powerful in Russia's arsenal is the FAB-3000, a three-tone high-explosive bomb, which the Russian Defence Ministry claimed has gone into mass production. Glide bombs are highly destructive and very difficult to shoot down. Unlike missiles, they do not have a propulsion system, so they don't generate much heat and are therefore largely immune to interception by infrared homing missiles.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Donald Trump issues 50-day warning to Russia: End Ukraine war or face 100% tariffs on allies, Kremlin fires back
US President Donald Trump has warned that his administration will impose 100% 'secondary tariffs' on nations that continue to trade with Russia unless Moscow ends its war in Ukraine within the next 50 days. Trump made this announcement during a joint appearance at the White House with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, signalling frustration over the ongoing conflict. 'I thought we would have had a deal two months ago,' Trump said, expressing disappointment in Russian President Vladimir Putin and a lack of progress on peace talks. The US president has long floated the idea of secondary sanctions to isolate Moscow economically and now appears set to act if his demands are not met. Russia says it's open to talks, but not under pressure Responding to Trump's remarks, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated on Tuesday that Moscow is willing to negotiate. However, he added that Russia 'did not warm to ultimatums,' making it clear that the Kremlin has no intention of yielding to external threats. While there has been no formal response to the 50-day deadline, Ryabkov's comments indicate a reluctance to engage in talks under coercion. The Kremlin's position comes at a time when Russia has stepped up aerial attacks on Ukraine, with drone and missile strikes targeting civilian and military infrastructure. UN data shows that June 2025 witnessed the highest number of civilian casualties in three years, with 232 deaths and 1,343 injuries. NATO announces arms deal to strengthen Ukraine's defence Alongside the tariff warning, Trump confirmed that a significant NATO weapons deal has been finalised to support Ukraine's defence. The agreement includes deliveries of US-manufactured Patriot missile systems—currently the only systems Ukraine has that can intercept Russian ballistic missiles. According to NATO chief Rutte, several countries—Germany, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, and Canada—are participating in the agreement. 'Speed is of the essence here,' he said, stressing the urgency in delivering equipment to the battlefield. Trump added that 'billions of dollars' worth' of military supplies would be purchased by NATO allies and distributed swiftly. He also mentioned that 'one country has 17 Patriot systems getting ready to be shipped,' and confirmed that Norway will contribute missile batteries. Rutte also noted that the deal is being designed to accommodate the stockpile needs of the US military. Ukraine's defences are under pressure amid growing attacks The latest phase of Russia's aerial campaign has heavily strained Ukraine's air defence capabilities. Despite a 70% interception rate, the high frequency of strikes has allowed multiple drones and missiles to reach their targets. According to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, Russia launched ten times more drones and missiles in June 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. The sharp escalation has led to significant destruction and civilian harm, increasing pressure on NATO and the US to expedite arms deliveries. Trump has cited examples like India-Pakistan and Rwanda–DR Congo to argue that trade pressure can help end wars. 'We've been very successful in settling wars with trade,' he said. With 50 days on the clock, Trump's tariff ultimatum introduces a new phase of international pressure. But with Russia rejecting threats and violence escalating on the ground, the road to any resolution remains uncertain.
Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Donald Trump threatens to impose 100% tariffs on Russia's allies, Kremlin says it doesn't respond to ultimatums
US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100 per cent 'secondary tariffs' on countries trading with Russia unless Moscow agrees to end the war in Ukraine within 50 days. Speaking alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte at the White House, the US president said he was 'very unhappy' with Russia's lack of progress towards a peace deal and was disappointed in President Vladimir Putin. 'I thought we would have had a deal two months ago,' Trump said. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Tuesday that Moscow is ready to negotiate, but warned that Russia 'did not warm to ultimatums.' The Kremlin has not formally responded to the 50-day deadline, but Ryabkov's statement signals reluctance to engage under threat. The tariffs, Trump warned, would be 'biting' and 'very, very powerful.' He added, 'we're going to be doing very severe tariffs if we don't have a deal in 50 days, tariffs at about 100 percent — you'd call them secondary tariffs.' Trump has previously floated the idea of secondary sanctions, targeting countries that continue doing business with Russia, as a way to isolate Moscow from global trade networks. 'We've been very successful in settling wars with trade,' Trump said, citing India-Pakistan and Rwanda–DR Congo as examples. Alongside the tariff warning, Trump confirmed a major NATO weapons deal to support Ukraine, including shipments of US-made Patriot missile systems. He said 'billions of dollars' worth of military equipment' would be purchased by NATO allies from the US and 'quickly distributed to the battlefield.' Countries involved in the deal include Germany, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, and Canada, according to Rutte, who emphasised, that 'speed is of the essence here.' Trump added that 'one country has 17 Patriot systems getting ready to be shipped,' and confirmed that Norway would be among those contributing batteries. 'This is only the first wave,' said Rutte, suggesting more arms will follow. The Patriot missile system is the only one in Ukraine's arsenal capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles. Rutte said the deal would be structured to account for US military stockpile needs. Russia, meanwhile, has escalated its aerial attacks on Ukraine. Hundreds of Iranian-designed suicide drones along with cruise and ballistic missiles have struck civilian and military infrastructure in recent weeks. According to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, June saw the highest number of civilian casualties in three years — with 232 people killed and 1,343 injured. Ukraine's air defence systems have been under strain. While the country maintains an interception rate around 70 per cent, the volume of attacks means dozens of drones and several missiles are still hitting targets. The UN said Russia launched 10 times more drones and missiles in June 2025 than in June 2024.
