Russia's retaliation has begun!

On May 23 local time, multiple cities in Ukraine—including Kyiv, Odesa, and Kharkiv—were hit by a large-scale missile and drone attack from Russia. Kyiv is suspected of being struck by the Russian military's "Chestnut" hypersonic missile. The strike range spanned from Odesa to Khmelnytskyi, with primary targets including Kyiv and Bila Tserkva, key strategic hubs.

This coordinated missile and drone assault by Russia represents a meticulously planned, exceptionally large-scale retaliatory operation.

The trigger for this retaliation was Ukraine’s attack on May 23, which Russia labeled as a “terrorist act.”

A vocational college in Starobilske, a city under Russian control in the Luhansk region, was bombed by multiple waves of Ukrainian drones. The attack has reportedly resulted in 21 deaths, 39 injuries, and 15 people missing. The target housed over a hundred minors.

Russia’s retaliatory action featured high density, multi-point strikes, and the use of new weapons.

In one night, Russia launched up to 124 attack drones toward Ukraine, accompanied by intensive missile strikes.

The strike zone stretched from the Black Sea coast deep into western Ukraine, forming a comprehensive firepower network covering Ukraine’s core regions.

Reports suggest that Russia may have deployed its newest “Chestnut” hypersonic medium-range ballistic missile, known for its exceptional penetration capability. Ukraine has admitted its air defense capabilities “have significantly declined.”

Just before the attacks, Western countries had taken concrete steps to lift restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied weapons to strike inside Russian territory. This wasn’t just retaliation—it was also a strong response from Russia to the West.

After more than four years of war, both sides remain locked in a stalemate along the ground front. Such high-intensity air raids and cross-border drone attacks have now become the “new normal,” aimed at exhausting each other’s war potential.

From a tactical standpoint, this demonstrates Russia’s formidable long-range strike capability; but strategically, it appears to be another round of extreme pressure amid stalled negotiations. With deeper Western military involvement, the war’s brutality and risk of spillover could escalate further.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866059841038336/

Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.