What's happened
Ukraine launched a large-scale drone and missile campaign targeting Russian infrastructure, including refineries and military sites, amid ongoing conflict. Russia responded with extensive strikes across Ukraine, killing civilians and damaging key facilities. International support and sanctions continue to influence the battlefield as of September 24, 2025.
What's behind the headline?
The current escalation underscores Ukraine's strategic shift towards targeting Russia's economic and military infrastructure, aiming to weaken Moscow's capacity to sustain the war. The recent drone strikes on Russian refineries and military targets are part of a broader campaign to choke Russian energy exports and diminish its war-fighting ability. Russia's retaliatory strikes across Ukraine, including missile and drone attacks, reflect a brutal cycle of escalation that risks further destabilizing the region.
The international response, including increased sanctions and military support, indicates a sustained effort to pressure Russia while bolstering Ukraine's defenses. The US and European nations are balancing military aid with diplomatic efforts, but the deepening conflict suggests a protracted and complex war. The recent Russian military dismissals and the threat of further sanctions highlight Moscow's internal challenges and the global stakes involved.
This escalation will likely lead to increased civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, prolonging the conflict. The strategic focus on energy infrastructure by Ukraine aims to cut off revenue streams, but it also risks broader economic repercussions. The next phase will depend heavily on international diplomacy and whether Russia's internal pressures will force a shift towards negotiations or further military escalation.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera provides detailed reporting on the ongoing military actions, emphasizing the scale of Ukraine's drone and missile campaigns and Russia's retaliatory strikes. Their coverage highlights the strategic targeting of Russian infrastructure and the international diplomatic responses.
The Moscow Times offers insight into Russia's internal military developments, including the dismissal of senior commanders and the impact of sanctions, illustrating Moscow's internal struggles amid the ongoing conflict.
Contrasting perspectives include Al Jazeera's focus on Ukraine's offensive and the broader geopolitical implications, while The Moscow Times emphasizes Russia's internal military adjustments and economic measures. Both sources underscore the high stakes and the complex, multi-layered nature of the conflict, with Al Jazeera highlighting the battlefield dynamics and The Moscow Times focusing on Moscow's internal responses.
How we got here
Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the conflict has involved extensive military operations, targeted strikes on critical infrastructure, and international diplomatic efforts. Ukraine has focused on disrupting Russian logistics and revenue streams, especially its oil and fuel sector, while Russia has intensified its military campaigns and retaliatory strikes. The ongoing war has seen significant casualties, territorial shifts, and global geopolitical tensions.
Go deeper
Common question
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What Is the Impact of Russia's Recent Attacks on Ukraine?
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What Are the Latest Developments in Ukraine's Fight Against Russia?
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What Are the Latest Military and Diplomatic Moves in Ukraine?
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What is the current situation with Russian attacks on Ukraine?
Recent developments in Ukraine reveal intensified Russian military actions, including large-scale drone and missile strikes across multiple regions. While Ukraine's defenses are actively intercepting many attacks, civilian casualties and infrastructure damage continue to occur. Understanding the latest military escalation and diplomatic responses is crucial for those following the conflict. Below, we explore key questions about the current state of the Ukraine crisis, recent attacks, and ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions.
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