Russia escalates missile attacks on Ukraine ahead of annexation

There is no sign of let up in the war between Russia and Ukraine. Russia increased their attacks on the battlefield overnight Thursday ahead of the annexation of Ukraine territories on Friday. Missiles, rockets and suicide drones were all deployed on Ukraine in one of the more intensified recent shows of power. One of the strikes has reportedly killed at least 25 people. Some analysts predict it’s only the beginning and that Russia’s new strategy is to escalate its attacks utilizing more precision weapons and manpower.

Russian officials are actively building up their army with a military draft that is looking to add 300,000 soldiers. Russia has set up draft offices at border crossings to intercept men trying to flee and avoid the fight. In just one week, 194,000 men have left Russia for neighboring countries. Long lines of cars formed on roads leading to Russia’s borders. Russian authorities tried to stem the outflow by turning back some men at the borders, citing mobilization laws, or setting up draft offices at border checkpoints.

Outside of attacks, another tactic by Russia in the ongoing war was the annexation of portions of Ukraine currently under Russian control after recent battles. A vote was held and new Russian territories will be officially declared by Russia today despite many world leaders, including President Joe Biden, condemning the vote.

“The United States will never, never, never recognize Russia’s claims on Ukraine sovereign territory,” President Biden said. “This so-called referendum was a sham, an absolute sham.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.