Ukraine Strikes Russian Air Force Amid Ongoing Civilian Casualties
Ukraine has intensified its military operations against Russian forces, targeting key military installations within Russia while facing severe civilian casualties from ongoing Russian attacks. Recent reports indicate that Ukrainian forces conducted an airstrike on the Lipetsk air base, located deep within Russian territory, which is believed to house various fighter jets crucial to Moscow's military efforts in Ukraine. The Ukrainian military confirmed that the attack aimed at disrupting the Russian air force by targeting infrastructure related to fighter jets, including Su-34, Su-35, and MiG-31 aircraft, as well as ammunition and fuel storage facilities.
Despite facing restrictions on the use of Western-supplied long-range missiles for strikes within Russia, Ukraine has continued to utilize long-range drones for its operations. This persistent strategy has drawn criticism and concern, particularly as Russia reported the destruction of 110 Ukrainian drones in various regions, including the Lipetsk area, where debris from intercepted drones fell without causing casualties.
In a parallel development, Russian attacks have resulted in tragic civilian casualties in Ukraine. Recent strikes in the city of Sumy and the Donetsk region killed five civilians, including a child. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned these acts of violence, urging international allies to enhance air defense support and assist in arms production within Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Force reported shooting down a significant number of Russian combat drones amid escalating attacks, particularly following a surprise Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region.
Additionally, the ongoing conflict has had a devastating impact on Ukraine's population, which has decreased by over 10 million since the onset of the Russian invasion in February 2022. The UN Population Fund highlighted that this decline, attributed to war-related fatalities and mass emigration, has exacerbated existing demographic challenges, including low birth rates and an aging population. The fertility rate in Ukraine has plummeted to around one child per woman, significantly below the replacement threshold, raising concerns about the country’s long-term demographic viability.
