In recent days, Russia has significantly intensified its attacks on Ukraine, having carried out one of the largest combined missile & drone attacks since the beginning of a full-scale invasion. On August 26, 2024, more than 230 units of air attack weapon were used against Ukrainian territory, including missiles and drones. The Ukrainian Air Defense Forces showed true courage and skill, shooting down 102 missiles and 99 drones. However, despite their efforts, the attacks led to tragic consequences: seven people were killed, and more than 50 were injured, including four children.
These attacks not only damage Ukraine, but also threaten other European countries. In Moldova, interruptions in the electricitysupply occurred; the Russian drone violated Poland’s airspace. Itemphasizes the scale and danger of Russian aggression.
On the night of August 27, Russia continued massive attacks onUkraine with 10 missiles and 81 strike drones. Despite the fact that the Ukrainian Air Defense Forces managed to shoot down a significant number of attacking objects, some of them struck targets, killing four more people and injuring about 20 people.
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, Italy has been actively supporting Ukraine. The Italian government decided to supply a significant amount of military equipment, including SAMP/T-MAMBA air defense systems, artillery installations and ammunition. These donate have been crucial in strengthening the defense capability of Ukraine and protecting the civilian population from massive attacks.
In addition to military support, Italy has provided Ukraine with significant financial assistance for maintaining the country’s economy and restoring the destroyed infrastructure. Italy’s humanitarian assistance also plays an important role, including support for millions of Ukrainian refugees forced to leave their homes.
In response to Russia’s massive attacks and the increased threat to the allies of Ukraine, the international community has been increasingly active in its call to lift restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons against Russian military facilities. On August 26, 2024, the EU chief diplomat, Josep Borrel, emphasized the need to revise current restrictions, saying that these wouldstrengthen the ability of Ukraine to self-defense and reduce destruction on its territory. Ukraine must have the right to defend itself by all means, including long-range weapons, Borrel added.
If the international community does not take decisive actions to stop Russia, the consequences can be catastrophic not only for Ukraine, but for all of Europe. President Vladimir Putin and his propagandists have repeatedly declared their ambitions ofadvancing further to the west, which is a direct threat to the security of European countries.
The world cannot be indifferent to the ongoing aggression of Russia. The use of long-range weapons to strike Russian military bases and airfields must be seen as a legitimate means of defense against an aggressor that has no respect for international borders or human life. Today, more than ever, it is important for Ukraine to provide all the necessary support in order to stop Putin and prevent further escalation of the conflict in Europe and the wholeworld.