ISW shows how Trump's inauguration 'affected' the shelling of Ukraine.

Russia's large-scale attacks on Ukraine increased after Trump's inauguration

After the new President of the United States, Donald Trump, took office, analysts report an increase in the scale of attacks by Russia on Ukraine. Notably, there has been a significant rise in the use of strike drones and missiles of various modifications.

The attacks intensified following Trump's phone call with Russian President Putin on February 2, as well as after negotiations between the USA and Russia in Saudi Arabia at the end of February. A particularly large number of missile and drone attacks were recorded on March 6-7.

The increase in the number of drones in Russia's attacks is linked to improvements in Ukrainian electronic warfare technologies

As a result of these attacks, energy facilities in the Odesa, Poltava, Chernihiv, and Ternopil regions were damaged. Additionally, fires broke out and significant destruction occurred.

Changes in Russia's tactics and the increase in the intensity of attacks indicate an intention to achieve quick results before restoring support from the West

Analysts note that the increase in the number of attacks is related to the increased production and use of Russian forces' 'Shahed' drones and other systems. This allows them to adapt to Ukrainian countermeasures in the area of air defense.

This tactic could create problems for Ukrainian air defense systems due to the Patriot interceptors, as the supply of new weapons from the USA has been suspended.

Furthermore, Russia is focusing on ramping up its offensive operations in certain regions, particularly in the direction of Kupiansk and Chasiv Yar. The current pause in military aid from the USA likely allows it to maximize its activity on the front, particularly to launch an offensive on strategically important cities in eastern Ukraine.