In brief
Since Donald Trump took office, a BBC analysis shows a significant increase in Russian aerial assaults on Ukraine, with both critics and supporters debating the implications of the former president's foreign policy.
Russian military aggressions toward Ukraine have escalated considerably since Donald Trump was inaugurated for a second term in January, following a BBC Verify analysis that highlights a doubling of missile and drone attacks from Russia. This increase becomes particularly concerning given that Trump's past campaign promises included calls for a swift resolution to the ongoing conflict.While tensions and aerial assaults were already on the rise during Joe Biden's presidency, data shows that between January 20 and July 19, Russian strikes reached 27,158, compared to 11,614 recorded during the last half of Biden's term. Critics have accused Trump's administration of seeming too lenient toward Russia, especially as the U.S. has paused military aid to Ukraine on two occasions, though these pauses have since been reversed. Ukrainian officials have noted a staggering 66% increase in Russian ballistic missile production over the past year.Further complicating the situation, Trump has voiced frustration over the ongoing conflict and the increasing aggression from Moscow, demanding a peace deal with Ukraine. Yet, despite these frustrations, his stance has led some, including Senator Chris Coons, to claim that his government’s pauses in military support have emboldened Putin to intensify attacks.Reports indicate that the volume of attacks surged in July, peaking with 748 strikes on one day alone, impacting civilians and government efforts to defend against aerial incursions. There is an urgent call for the U.S. to enhance military support to Ukraine, with Patriot missile systems highlighted as crucial for bolstering air defenses. Analysts have noted that the lack of consistent military assistance has left Ukraine vulnerable, while Russia strengthens its supply chains for missile production.As conditions worsen, Ukrainian citizens have voiced waning morale due to the relentless assault, expressing concerns about their day-to-day safety amid frequent explosions in cities like Kyiv. The ongoing situation raises pressing questions about the efficacy of U.S. foreign policy and military strategy under Trump’s administration, even as the war carries on with devastating consequences for Ukraine.
