Russian Missile Strikes Kill at Least 17 in Odesa, Ukraine Says
New York TimesMar 31
Russia Launches Biggest Attack on Ukraine in Months
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The Facts
Russia on Friday launched its biggest attack on Ukraine in months, unleashing a total of 88 missiles and 63 drones in morning strikes. Ukraine's Air Force said that from those 151 targets, 55 drones were shot down and 37 missiles were destroyed.
All 31 missiles that were headed for Kyiv were destroyed, the air force added. It was the first time the Ukrainian capital was targeted in six weeks and came as the US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan traveled to the city for talks with Ukrainian leadership.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
While the US under the Biden administration continues to be Ukraine's closest supporter, what Ukraine must understand is that oil prices have a major impact on US elections, and striking Russia's supplies could dramatically change global costs — even despite the sanctions. Having Biden lose the 2024 election over the cost of gas won't help Ukraine achieve its war aims.
Pro-Russia narrative
Attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure are a direct consequence of the failure of the country's leadership to meaningfully engage in peace talks and thinking they can defeat Russia on the battlefield. The energy infrastructure targets are directly tied to Ukraine's armed forces and command and control. These attacks will stop once a more sober position is reached.