The Latest wave of Russian Attacks on Ukraine: A Call for International Action
In the early hours of February 12, 2025, Ukraine’s capital city, Kyiv, and other regions faced another devastating wave of Russian missile and drone strikes. The attacks, which targeted civilian infrastructure, including apartment buildings, office structures, and critical facilities, resulted in at least one death and four injuries, including a child. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine condemned the strikes as an act of terror and called on Western partners to intensify pressure on Russia to halt such aggressions. Ukrainian emergency services and officials are working tirelessly to assist those affected and mitigate the damage caused by the strikes.
Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia’s actions are not isolated incidents but part of a broader strategy to intimidate Ukraine and disrupt any potential progress toward peace talks. He stressed that such attacks will not cease without strong international intervention, urging unity and support from Ukraine’s allies to bring an end to the conflict. The Ukrainian air force reported significant success in intercepting the incoming threats, shooting down six out of seven ballistic missiles targeting Kyiv and the central city of Kryvyi Rih, as well as neutralizing 71 out of 123 strike drones launched by Russia. However, the remaining strikes still caused considerable damage and loss of life.
Diplomatic Efforts and the Road to Peace
The latest round of attacks came as diplomatic efforts to revive peace talks between Ukraine and Russia appear to be gaining momentum. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff recently traveled to Moscow to facilitate the release of American citizen Mark Fogel, who had been imprisoned in Russia since 2021. While Fogel’s release has not yet been confirmed, the move has been seen as a potential step toward easing tensions. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who appointed Witkoff as his Middle East envoy, expressed optimism that Fogel’s return could help advance negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
However, Moscow’s actions on the ground tell a different story. Russian forces have continued their relentless nighttime drone and missile attacks, signaling that President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to back down without significant pressure. Ukrainian officials warn that any progress toward peace is met with increased violence, a tactic they believe Putin will continue to employ throughout 2025. Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Counter-Disinformation Center, highlighted that every public statement about peace from the West is often followed by Russian missile strikes, suggesting a deliberate strategy to undermine diplomatic efforts.
The Human Cost of the Conflict
The ongoing conflict has exacted a heavy toll on civilians in Ukraine, with the latest attacks in Kyiv and other regions adding to the growing list of casualties. In Kyiv, at least one person was killed, and four others, including a child, were injured. Governor Viacheslav Chaus of Chernihiv Oblast reported two additional injuries in a Russian drone strike on critical infrastructure, while Serhiy Lysak, governor of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration, confirmed damage to residential, administrative, and educational buildings in Kryvyi Rih. These incidents underscore the indiscriminate nature of Russia’s attacks and the dire need for international action to protect innocent lives.
Zelenskyy has repeatedly called on Western leaders to recognize the severity of the situation and take decisive steps to hold Russia accountable. He emphasized that Putin’s actions are not those of a leader preparing for peace but rather one committed to destroying Ukrainian cities and lives. The Ukrainian president’s words serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of the conflict and the urgent need for a united response from the global community.
Ukraine’s Resilience and Counterattacks
Despite the relentless Russian bombardment, Ukraine has shown remarkable resilience and determination. The country’s air defense systems successfully intercepted a significant portion of the incoming missiles and drones, highlighting the effectiveness of Western military aid. Additionally, Ukraine has continued its long-range strike campaign against Russian territory, targeting key locations in the Belgorod and Kursk regions. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry reported downing seven Russian drones in these areas, demonstrating Kyiv’s ability to strike back and defend its sovereignty.
These counterattacks not only undermine Russia’s military capabilities but also send a clear message that Ukraine will not be intimidated or defeated. The ongoing strikes are part of a broader strategy to weaken Russia’s grip on the conflict and create conditions favorable for peace. However, Ukraine’s ability to sustain this effort hinges on continued support from its international partners, particularly in the form of advanced weaponry and economic aid.
The Path Forward: International Unity and Accountability
As the conflict enters its third year, the international community is at a critical juncture. The upcoming meetings between U.S. and Ukrainian officials, including the visit of Trump’s envoy Keith Kellogg to Ukraine and Vice President JD Vance’s trip to the Munich Security Conference, present opportunities to strengthen alliances and solidify support for Ukraine. These gatherings will likely focus on strategies to intensify pressure on Russia, including potential new sanctions and increased military aid to Ukraine.
At the same time, the West must remain vigilant to Russia’s tactics, which blend diplomacy with violence in an attempt to manipulate perceptions of progress. Ukrainian officials caution that any premature optimism about peace talks could embolden Putin to escalate his aggression further. The international community must therefore remain united in its commitment to holding Russia accountable and ensuring that any negotiations are conducted on terms that prioritize Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
In conclusion, the latest wave of attacks on Ukraine serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing suffering and the need for urgent action. The international community must respond with strength and unity, providing Ukraine with the support it needs to defend itself and pushing for a just and lasting peace. As Zelenskyy has consistently emphasized, the
