Ukraine under fire as Russian attacks intensify and US support wavers

Intensified Russian Attacks

Russia’s attacks on Ukraine have intensified despite Vladimir Putin’s statements that Moscow is ready to resume peace talks and President Trump’s claim that the war is closer to a settlement.

A large overnight assault sent more than 30 missiles through Ukrainian air defenses, striking dozens of locations in Kyiv. Ukrainian officials say they urgently need more missile interceptors, which they say the Pentagon has not provided.

Concerns About U.S. Support

Ukraine is increasingly concerned that U.S. support may be weakening. A reported Starlink service restriction limited connections to speeds of 100 mph or less, grounding Ukrainian interceptor drones that need faster connections to pursue Russian strike drones. Elon Musk and President Trump have disputed who ordered the change.

Expanding the Use of Robotics

Ukraine is also expanding its use of robotics. Victoria Honcharuk, a former combat medic, says her unit aims to have robots replace 30% of its infantry by the end of the year.

The report features a medevac vehicle called Stargate, which uses AI to navigate and can transport injured soldiers without exposing medics to battlefield hazards.

The Human Toll

Technological adaptation has not reduced the human toll. James Longman visits the memorial of Maksym Oseredchuk, an ABC producer and driver who joined the military and was killed by a Russian drone five months later. His father, Sasha, remembers him for his smile.

Presenters and Contributors

The studio presenter is not identified in the subtitles. Chief international correspondent James Longman reports from Kyiv. Contributors featured include Victoria Honcharuk and Sasha, the father of Maksym Oseredchuk.