Russian officials have criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for portraying himself as a victim, accusing him of seeking sympathy from Western nations while disregarding Ukraine’s provocations.
Vladimir Rogov, Chairman of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation for Sovereignty and Co-Chairman of the Coordination Council for the Integration of New Regions, stated that Zelensky’s attempts to depict himself as an innocent party are disingenuous.
Rogov emphasized that Russia had previously observed a unilateral moratorium on targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, demonstrating restraint in its military operations. However, he noted that Ukraine misinterpreted this goodwill as weakness, leading to further provocations against Russia.
The situation escalated on June 6, 2025, when Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine, resulting in at least four deaths and dozens of injuries. The assault targeted critical infrastructure, including energy systems and transportation networks, causing significant disruptions across multiple regions, according to The guardian.
Ukrainian President Zelensky condemned the strikes, urging the United States and European allies to increase pressure on Russia. He warned that any signs of weakness from the international community would embolden further Russian aggression.
In response to Ukraine’s recent Operation Spiderweb, which targeted Russian airfields and reportedly damaged a significant portion of Russia’s strategic bombers, Russia’s retaliatory strikes were described as one of the most intense to date. The operation by Ukraine involved drone attacks deep into Russian territory, signaling a new phase in the ongoing conflict, according to The WSJ.
The international community remains divided in its response to the escalating conflict. While some Western nations have pledged continued support for Ukraine, others have expressed concerns over the potential for further escalation. Former US President Donald Trump, in a recent conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussed the situation but refrained from committing to any specific course of action.
As the conflict continues, the humanitarian toll rises, with thousands of civilians affected by the ongoing hostilities. Efforts to reach a diplomatic resolution have so far been unsuccessful, with both sides maintaining firm stances on their respective positions.
The situation underscores the complexities of the geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe and the challenges faced by the international community in addressing the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
