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Kharkiv alone was rocked by 17 explosions in just 20 minutes, according to the regional governor.
Kharkiv alone was rocked by 17 explosions in just 20 minutes, according to the regional governor.
What is happening?
In the early hours of July 16, Russian forces unleashed a sweeping assault on Ukraine.
Trump’s 50-Day Peace Ultimatum Met With Immediate Violence
The barrage came just 24 hours after Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to Vladimir Putin: agree to a peace deal within 50 days or face punishing tariffs.
50 days too long?
The U.S. president downplayed the timeline, sparking criticism that the delay could give Russia room to escalate attacks.
17 Explosions in 20 Minutes
Kharkiv suffered one of the most intense strikes, with at least 17 blasts recorded in just 20 minutes according to the regional governor, Oleh Syniehubov.
Targeted civilian factory
He added that Shahed drones targeted a civilian facility in the city’s Kyivskyi district, igniting fires and injuring at least three people.
Western Ukraine Not Spared
Far from the eastern front, Vinnytsia Oblast was also pounded overnight.
Drone strikes injured eight people and triggered fires at two industrial sites, while four residential buildings sustained damage.
Strategic Port Targeted in Odesa
Explosions were also reported in the southern port city of Izmail in Odesa Oblast, a frequent target in recent Russian attacks.
Record-High Drone and Missile Use
According to Ukrainian President, Volodomyr Zelenskyy, Russian forces reportedly fired more than 1,800 long-range drones, 1,200 glide bombs, and over 80 missiles in just seven days.
Echoes of July 9
The latest strike follows the most extensive assault of the conflict on July 9, when Russia launched more than 700 Shahed-type drones and decoys, coupled with cruise and ballistic missiles.
Trump’s Tariff Threat Raises Eyebrows
Trump’s July 14 statement outlined stiff tariffs on Russian energy exports if Moscow refuses a peace deal within 50 days.
But critics argue the ultimatum lacks teeth in the short term and may embolden Putin to intensify military pressure during the grace period.
Putin’s Demands
Putin continues to insist that Ukraine surrender four occupied regions, abandon any NATO aspirations, and accept limits on its military — demands Kyiv has repeatedly and unequivocally rejected.
Russian Troops Advance Amid Heavy Losses
On the battlefield, Russian forces are inching forward in the eastern Donetsk region, but the advance remains slow and costly, with fierce resistance from Ukrainian defenders.
