What's happened
Ukraine launched long-range drone attacks on Russian Baltic ports, halting over 40% of Russia's oil exports. Russia responded with large-scale missile and drone strikes on Ukraine, escalating the conflict. The US issued a waiver allowing Russian oil sales, drawing criticism from Ukraine and European allies. Tensions rise as both sides prepare for further escalation.
What's behind the headline?
The recent drone attacks demonstrate Ukraine's increasing military capabilities and willingness to target Russian infrastructure directly. This escalation complicates diplomatic efforts, especially as the US's waiver on Russian oil exports appears to embolden Moscow economically while undermining Western pressure. The disruption of Russia's oil exports, which has hit 40%, is a significant blow to Moscow's economy, especially as global oil prices remain high. The US's move to allow Russian oil sales is likely a strategic gamble, aiming to stabilize energy markets but risking further escalation in the conflict. Ukraine's call for more advanced missile systems and its offer of drone technology to Gulf states reflect its urgent need for military support, which is hampered by political delays like Hungary's hold-up on EU aid. The upcoming spring offensive by Russia suggests a period of intensified fighting, with Ukraine trying to hold its eastern front while Russia seeks to regain momentum. The situation remains volatile, with both sides preparing for prolonged conflict and the potential for further escalation.
What the papers say
Reuters reports that the US issued a 30-day waiver allowing countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil, which has enabled Russia to benefit financially from higher oil prices, despite ongoing sanctions. The article highlights the damage to Russian ports Ust-Luga and Primorsk, with over 40% of Russia's oil exports halted due to Ukrainian drone attacks and pipeline damage. Meanwhile, The Independent details the scale of recent attacks, with nearly 1,000 drones and 34 missiles fired by Russia at Ukraine in a single day, and Ukraine's response with hundreds of drones targeting Russian regions and Crimea. The article emphasizes the escalation of violence and the international concern over attacks on civilian infrastructure and cultural sites, including a UNESCO World Heritage location in Lviv. Both sources underscore the increasing intensity of the conflict and the strategic moves by Ukraine and Russia, with the US's energy policy playing a pivotal role in shaping the current dynamics.
How we got here
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has persisted for over four years, with recent attacks highlighting the ongoing hostilities. Ukraine has developed long-range drones capable of striking deep into Russian territory, while Russia has responded with extensive missile and drone assaults on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. The US has temporarily eased sanctions on Russian oil to stabilize global markets, despite opposition from Ukraine and its allies, who argue it enables Russia's military efforts.
Go deeper
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Ust-Luga is a settlement and railway station in Kingiseppsky District of Leningrad Oblast, Russia, near the Estonian border, situated on the Luga River near its entry into the Luga Bay of the Gulf of Finland, about 110 kilometres west of Saint Petersburg.