World Affairs International

An airstrike in Kramatorsk has killed at least 50 people, with graphic footage from the site confirming extensive casualties, including children. Russian state media initially tried to pin the blame on a failed Ukrainian strike; these reports stood out against earlier published media praising a Russian strike on Ukrainian military forces in the Kramatorsk rail station. The international community has strongly condemned the attack, and Ukraine’s security partners have begun evaluating missile defense capabilities both within and around the country.

Slovakia is providing a Soviet-era S-300 missile defense system to Ukraine. In response, the U.S. will deploy a Patriot battery in Slovakia to be manned by American personnel. The Patriot system joins the growing missile defensive umbrella being provided to Eastern NATO Allies, including the Romanian-based and recently operational Polish-based Aegis defensive systems.

There are also reports of British anti-ship missiles being transferred to Ukraine. Russian ships operating near Odesa, Berdyansk, and Sevastopol have been responsible for the continued targetting of Ukrainian cities by cruise missiles, particularly Mariupol and Odesa. Sinking ships across the Black Sea would be crucial to relieving pressure and breaking through the Russian blockade.

The U.S. and U.K. have cast doubt on Russia’s ability to transfer troops from the failed Kyiv offensive to the impending Donbas offensive. Certain divisions were described as “completely devastated,” with remaining personnel being incorporated into larger units. Despite delays, there are reports of Russian troop relocations to Belgorod for direct deployment into the Donbas after resupply and reinforcement.