An analysis reveals that Russian attacks on Ukraine have more than doubled since Donald Trump took office in January 2024, contradicting his promises to end the conflict. This surge in military aggression coincides with pauses in U.S. military support for Ukraine, raising concerns about escalating violence and the effectiveness of Trump's diplomatic efforts.
Escalation of Russian Attacks on Ukraine Surges Under Trump's New Presidency

Escalation of Russian Attacks on Ukraine Surges Under Trump's New Presidency
A substantial rise in drone and missile strikes from Russia towards Ukraine has been recorded after Donald Trump resumed office, despite his calls for peace negotiations and a ceasefire.
The conflict in Ukraine has intensified dramatically following Donald Trump's inauguration in January 2024, with a recent BBC Verify analysis indicating that the number of aerial strikes launched by Russia has more than doubled since his leadership resumed. Attacks had already been increasing under former President Joe Biden, but they escalated sharply after Trump's election victory in November. Despite Trump's assertions of wanting to swiftly resolve the conflict, the data demonstrates a worrying trend in military aggression from Moscow.
Trump, during his campaign, asserted that a leader respected by Russia could have prevented the war. However, critics claim his attempts at diplomacy may have inadvertently emboldened the Kremlin. His administration has faced scrutiny for temporarily halting the delivery of military supplies to Ukraine at two junctions earlier this year—once in March and again in July—although these pauses were later lifted. Meanwhile, Russia's production of ballistic missiles reportedly surged by 66% over just one year.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, there were 27,158 recorded attacks from January 20 to July 19, 2024—significantly up from 11,614 during the final six months of Biden's term. White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly attributed the lengthy conflict to Biden's alleged incompetence, suggesting that Trump is positioned to halt the violence by leveraging American weaponry sales to NATO allies and threatening sanctions against Putin.
In the early days of Trump's presidency, Russian assaults briefly declined, but by February, during U.S.-led talks in Riyadh, aggression resumed. The Ukrainian military noted the peak of Russian attacks occurred on July 9, with 748 drone and missile launches reported in a single day, causing casualties and injuries among civilians.
Senator Chris Coons, a senior Democrat, argued that Trump’s approaches may have emboldened Putin, enabling an increase in assaults on hospitals, power grids, and civilian areas. The ongoing barrage of attacks has reignited calls for the U.S. to enhance military support to Ukraine, particularly through the provision of advanced Patriot missile systems, now vital given the situation on the ground.
Expert analysis indicates that the Kremlin’s ongoing production of drones and munitions, combined with decreased U.S. military supplies, has made Ukraine increasingly vulnerable to these aerial assaults. Russia claims to be manufacturing up to 170 drones daily, significantly expanding its military capabilities.
The urgency for the U.S. to solidify its commitment to Ukraine remains pressing. Senator Coons stressed that clear messaging from Trump is essential to deter Russia's intentions and sustain support for Ukraine. As the conflict drags on, the psychological toll on Ukrainian citizens grows. Journalist Dasha Volk recounted the pervasive fear felt in Kyiv, emphasizing the detrimental effects of constant bombardment on morale.
Every moment of delay increases the challenges for Ukraine as its citizens remain determined yet fatigued from the unending struggle. The complexity of the current geopolitical landscape suggests that a resolution will require a steadfast international response to ensure that peace, when it comes, is enduring.
Trump, during his campaign, asserted that a leader respected by Russia could have prevented the war. However, critics claim his attempts at diplomacy may have inadvertently emboldened the Kremlin. His administration has faced scrutiny for temporarily halting the delivery of military supplies to Ukraine at two junctions earlier this year—once in March and again in July—although these pauses were later lifted. Meanwhile, Russia's production of ballistic missiles reportedly surged by 66% over just one year.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, there were 27,158 recorded attacks from January 20 to July 19, 2024—significantly up from 11,614 during the final six months of Biden's term. White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly attributed the lengthy conflict to Biden's alleged incompetence, suggesting that Trump is positioned to halt the violence by leveraging American weaponry sales to NATO allies and threatening sanctions against Putin.
In the early days of Trump's presidency, Russian assaults briefly declined, but by February, during U.S.-led talks in Riyadh, aggression resumed. The Ukrainian military noted the peak of Russian attacks occurred on July 9, with 748 drone and missile launches reported in a single day, causing casualties and injuries among civilians.
Senator Chris Coons, a senior Democrat, argued that Trump’s approaches may have emboldened Putin, enabling an increase in assaults on hospitals, power grids, and civilian areas. The ongoing barrage of attacks has reignited calls for the U.S. to enhance military support to Ukraine, particularly through the provision of advanced Patriot missile systems, now vital given the situation on the ground.
Expert analysis indicates that the Kremlin’s ongoing production of drones and munitions, combined with decreased U.S. military supplies, has made Ukraine increasingly vulnerable to these aerial assaults. Russia claims to be manufacturing up to 170 drones daily, significantly expanding its military capabilities.
The urgency for the U.S. to solidify its commitment to Ukraine remains pressing. Senator Coons stressed that clear messaging from Trump is essential to deter Russia's intentions and sustain support for Ukraine. As the conflict drags on, the psychological toll on Ukrainian citizens grows. Journalist Dasha Volk recounted the pervasive fear felt in Kyiv, emphasizing the detrimental effects of constant bombardment on morale.
Every moment of delay increases the challenges for Ukraine as its citizens remain determined yet fatigued from the unending struggle. The complexity of the current geopolitical landscape suggests that a resolution will require a steadfast international response to ensure that peace, when it comes, is enduring.