Russia's aggravated missile attacks on Ukraine likely 'direct response' to G7 summit: ISW

Russia's incessant missile strikes on Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv on 123rd day of war is likely a "direct response" to crucial Group of Seven (G7) summit, claimed Institute for Study of War (ISW). Its latest critical assessment indicated that rampant air raids that led to massive destruction in a residential structure in Schevchenkivskyi district of Kyiv on June 26, were "likely to coincide with ongoing summit of G7 leers" in Bavaria, Germany.

Notably, it was first such major strike on Kyiv since late April and is likely a direct response to Western leers discussing aid to Ukraine at ongoing G7 summit, ISW noted. intensity and nature of attack replicated previous strikes carried out on April 29 during UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ visit to Kyiv.

report cited Ukrainian government sources, saying that Russia's troops targeted infrastructure in Shevchenkivskyi district using X101 missiles fired from Tu-95 and Tu-160 bombers over Caspian Sea. analysts also noted Russian attack was an attempt to “show off” ir capabilities. "Open-source Twitter account GeoConfirmed stated that strikes targeted general vicinity of Artem State Joint-Stock Holding Company, a manufacturer of air-to-air missiles, automated air-guided missile training and maintenance systems, anti-tank guided missiles, and aircraft equipment."

At least one person was reported de in air raids carried out by Russian troops. Six ors were injured, including a Russian woman and a seven-year-old girl residing in building, a former presidential spokesperson of Ukraine informed via Twitter post. Kyiv's mayor Vitali Klitschko, in a Telegram post, said that rescue operations are still underway as people are believed to be trapped under rubble.

Russian troops fire missiles from 'maximum range'

ISW report, citing GeoConfirmed, noted that Russian forces likely fired missiles from maximum possible range, which would have interfered with GPS and rar correlation and resulted in strike hitting civilian infrastructure, and furr hyposized some of missiles may have been fired from Russian-occupied sourn Ukraine. inving troops presumably targeted Artem Plant as a means of posturing against Western military aid to Ukraine during G7 summit and inflicted ditional secondary damage to residential infrastructure. Reported of continued attacks against sourn outskirts of Lysychansk and consolidated control of Severodonetsk and surrounding settlements also emerged on Sunday.

(Image: AP/@G7/Twitter)