[Text/Observer Network, Shao Yun] Ukraine recently launched the "Web" operation, destroying a number of important equipment such as Russian strategic bombers. Since then, Russia has retaliated comprehensively. However, according to a report by Reuters on June 7, the US side believes that Russia's retaliatory actions "have not yet really started."

The report cited US officials as saying that the US is unsure of the exact time when Russia will carry out its "real retaliation," but it is expected to happen within the next few days, and it is likely to include various means of air combat such as missiles, drones, etc., which will be a "large-scale and multi-pronged strike."

It is understood that Russia's strike will be "asymmetric," meaning it will not simply imitate Ukraine's "Web" operation by using drones to attack Russian military airports. According to a Western diplomatic source, the intensity of Russia's response may further escalate compared to the current level, targeting symbolic Ukrainian targets such as government buildings to send a clear message to Ukraine.

"This strike will be huge, vicious, and relentless," said another senior Western diplomat. As for this, the Russian Embassy in the United States, the Ukrainian Embassy in the United States, and the White House have not yet responded.

On local time June 7, 2025, in Kharkiv, Ukraine, a Russian missile hit a residential area, with flames and thick smoke rising. Visual China

Michael Kofman, an expert on Russian issues at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, believes that possible Russian targets may include the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU), which played a key role in the "Web" operation. According to Ukraine's account, the "Web" operation was planned over 18 months and personally coordinated by President Zelensky, with SBU Director Malyuk leading the direct implementation.

"They are very likely to attempt retaliatory strikes against the SBU headquarters or other intelligence agency buildings in certain regions," Kofman said. To convey warning messages, Russia may directly use medium-range ballistic missiles for strikes. In addition, Ukraine's defense manufacturing centers may also become targets of the strikes.

Previously, on June 1, Ukraine carried out the "Web" operation, secretly transporting a large number of drones to nearby strategic Russian airports and launching sudden attacks, causing significant losses to Russia's strategic air power. Meanwhile, Russia's bridges, railways, and other important infrastructure have been repeatedly attacked and attempted to be attacked recently. Russia claims these attacks were all planned and implemented by Ukraine, calling the Kiev regime a terrorist organization.

In response, Russia has retaliated in recent days. The Russian Defense Ministry reported on June 6 that over the past week, the Russian military used precision weapons and attack drones to launch six cluster strikes on Ukraine, targeting Ukrainian munitions factories, military airports, drone storage and launch sites, armories, and troop deployment points. The Russian Defense Ministry reported on June 7 that overnight, the Russian military again conducted long-range strikes on Ukrainian military targets.

According to Ukrainian media reports, after the "Web" operation, Russia's attacks on Sumy Oblast and Kharkiv Oblast have noticeably accelerated. Both Ukrainian and Russian experts believe that in the near future, Russia will increase the intensity of large-scale long-range strikes on the battlefield while advancing the establishment of "safe buffer zones."

As of August 8, the remote attacks between Russia and Ukraine continue. The Ukrainian Air Force reported on August 8 that overnight, Russia launched 49 drones from Kursk Oblast, Rostov Oblast, and other places into Ukrainian territory. Ukrainian air defense fire and electronic warfare equipment intercepted 40 incoming drones, and five locations in Ukraine were attacked. The Russian military also launched one anti-ship missile and two cruise missiles at Ukraine. The Russian Defense Ministry reported on August 8 that more than a hundred Ukrainian drones attacked multiple locations in Russia.

In terms of ground operations, the Russian Defense Ministry reported on August 8 that troops from the 90th Tank Division under the "Central" operational group had arrived at the western border of Donetsk and continued westward, advancing into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. It is reported that this is the first time since the outbreak of the conflict three years ago that Russia has extended its offensive to Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Some foreign media believe that this marks a major escalation in the territorial disputes between Ukraine and Russia.

This article is an exclusive contribution from Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7513592582648234550/

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