Russia seeks to delay Ukraine’s counteroffensive with massive attacks

This was stated by an unnamed US official, reports CNN.

According to him, Russia is spending more ammunition than usual, trying to confuse Ukrainian air defenses, and Russia launched large-scale missile strikes simultaneously from several directions, targeting the control center in Kyiv and other key facilities.

"Russia may have begun the expanded attacks in an attempt to force Ukraine to delay its highly-anticipated counteroffensive. But Ukraine has been able to withstand the attacks, intercepting a high percentage of the incoming missiles and drones with the layered air defenses provided by Western nations," the official said.

It is noted that massive Russian attacks may even benefit Ukraine, as Russia is more actively using its limited stockpile of high-precision missiles.

• On the night of May 16, Russia carried out an "exceptional in intensity" attack on Kyiv, using drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. It was the eighth attack since the beginning of May. Falling debris was recorded in several districts of Kyiv.