Russia launched a surprise attack on Ukraine, using cruise missiles and drones, etc.**, Zelensky** called the attack a full-scale use of Russia**. The range of attacks included Kharkiv, Kyiv, Odessa and Lviv, and official Ukrainian statistics showed that Russia fired 158 shells, killing at least 30 people and injuring more than 160. The targets of the attacks were concentrated on civilian facilities such as hospitals in Odessa, the subway in Kyiv and the subway in Lviv, causing a huge psychological panic among the Ukrainian people.
It was Russia's largest missile attack since the war in Ukraine, and the choice to carry it out at this time had its own special considerations. The attack was a tactic of intimidation, which is often used in war. Russia has been attacking Ukraine's infrastructure, such as electricity and gas, throughout the winter of last year. The attack targeted targets such as hospitals, subways and warehouses, covering every major city. There is also a special meaning in choosing this time for the attack, as the New Year is approaching, and this moment usually makes people look back on the past and look to the future.
The attack will have a huge psychological impact on the people and make the Ukrainian people worry about their future security. The attack was also seen as a form of retaliation from Russia. Not long ago, Ukraine achieved a good record, successfully shooting down at least three Su-34 fighter jets in just five days, each costing tens of millions of dollars. In addition, Ukraine destroyed the landing craft in Crimea, which, although Russian officials claim to have repaired the damage, may in fact no longer be able to be used. Therefore, an attack on Ukraine is also a kind of retaliatory action by Russia.
Russia will not sit idly by and carry out airstrikes on Ukraine, not only to account for its own people, but also to make Ukrainians feel panic. Zelensky's image is shown in the picture. The move also made it clear to Western countries that no matter how much aid they provide to Ukraine, Russian forces can still attack as they please. Ukraine will face even more severe challenges during a difficult winter, and it will be even worse in the New Year. Therefore, the outlook for Ukraine next year remains uncertain, as it may be affected by the willingness of the United States and Europe to provide assistance but the inability to support due to some domestic power constraints.
Ukraine needs to rely more on self-reliance. However, it is very difficult to defeat Russia on its own, and it is even more difficult to regain the 20 percent of the territory occupied by Russia. The road facing Ukraine is not smooth, and it is a difficult challenge.