On the eve of a major NATO summit in Turkey, Russian forces conducted a series of coordinated attacks on Kyiv using ballistic missiles and drones, causing at least 11 fatalities and injuring dozens. Analysts view these strikes as a strategic move by Vladimir Putin to assert dominance amid growing international scrutiny. The timing suggests an attempt to influence perceptions during high-level diplomatic discussions, despite mounting evidence that Russia’s conventional military campaign is faltering. Ukrainian forces have intensified operations inside Russian territory, contributing to rising casualties and internal strain within Russia’s leadership.
Domestically, the Kremlin faces unprecedented criticism, with public discontent emerging over the war's trajectory and escalating losses. As battlefield setbacks accumulate, military decisions appear increasingly reactive and unpredictable. The combination of external pressure and internal unrest has led to a shift in tactics, including intensified targeting of civilian infrastructure. These developments underscore a broader reassessment of Russia’s approach to the conflict, even as it continues to seek leverage through force ahead of key global negotiations.