Ukraine continues to face challenges in producing its own missile defense system that matches the effectiveness of the Patriot system against Russia’s ballistic and hypersonic missiles, as well as drone assaults. Europe’s assistance also appears limited.
On U.S. Independence Day, Russia launched a record 550 drones and missiles. Despite the attack, Ukrainians resumed their daily activities — businesses operated amidst damage, hospitals treated injuries, and life continued until the next night.
“Nobody asks about the night during the day, as we’re all in the same situation. If you’re still around by lunch, you’re okay,” commented Vladyslav Faraponov, head of the Institute of American Studies in the capital.
At 8 a.m., Faraponov apologized for being late to his dentist. “He said: ‘Everyone looks like they’ve been up all night partying,’” Faraponov recalled.
Disillusionment with the U.S., Ukraine’s strongest ally, permeates discussions. Pleas for help feel ignored. Although life is now intertwined with death, former allies seem to treat our plight as an afterthought.
We maintain our belief, yet with every attack “condemned by the free world,” which hesitates to impose stringent sanctions on Russia or provide more defense systems and Ukraine’s access to the Kremlin’s frozen assets, our hope diminishes slowly.
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