US Believes Russia’s Retaliation Against Ukraine Is Imminent

WASHINGTON, June 8 (Reuters) – The United States believes Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s promised retaliation against Ukraine for its recent drone attack has not yet fully occurred, and a significant multi-pronged strike is likely on the way, U.S. officials say.

The timing of this Russian response remains uncertain. One source mentioned it could happen within days. Another official suggested it might involve various air capabilities, including missiles and drones. Both officials spoke anonymously and did not disclose specific targets or intelligence details.

One U.S. official described Moscow’s revenge as ‘asymmetrical’, meaning it may not directly mirror Ukraine’s recent strikes against Russian warplanes. On Friday, Russia conducted a considerable missile and drone barrage targeting Kyiv, claiming it was a reaction to purported ‘terrorist acts’ by Ukraine.

A Western diplomatic source indicated that while some Russian retaliation has commenced, it could intensify with strikes aimed at symbolic Ukrainian structures, like government buildings, to send a strong message to Kyiv.

Another senior diplomat anticipated a considerable onslaught from Moscow. ‘It will be huge, vicious and unrelenting,’ the diplomat stated. ‘But the Ukrainians are brave people.’

Michael Kofman, a Russia expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, expressed expectations that Moscow might target Ukraine’s domestic security agency, the SBU, due to its involvement in the recent assaults.

‘Most likely, they will attempt to retaliate against the SBU headquarters, or other regional intelligence administration buildings,’ Kofman said, also noting that Ukrainian defense manufacturing facilities might be targets.

However, Kofman claims that Russia’s options for escalation may be restricted as they have already committed substantial military resources against Ukraine. ‘In general, Russia’s ability to significantly escalate its strikes is quite constrained,’ he added.

Earlier, Kyiv reported conducting an operation dubbed ‘Spider’s Web’, employing 117 unmanned aerial vehicles launched deep within Russian territory. The U.S. believes that this operation resulted in damage to approximately 20 warplanes, with claims from President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that about 10 were destroyed.

While Russia denied the destruction of any planes and asserted damages would be repaired, reports from military bloggers suggested that several aircraft, capable of carrying nuclear weapons, experienced serious damage.

This strike dealt a strong symbolic blow to Russia, highlighting its frequently asserted nuclear prowess amid the ongoing conflict. Putin conveyed to former President Donald Trump that Moscow needed to respond to Ukraine’s attack, with Trump stating, ‘It’s probably not going to be pretty.’ He expressed concerns about the situation, telling Putin, ‘Don’t do it. You shouldn’t do it. You should stop it.’