The number of Russian air strikes on Ukraine has doubled during Trump’s presidency.

Attacks also increased under Joe Biden in 2024 but have sharply escalated since Trump’s election and inauguration in January, reaching their highest levels since the full-scale war began. Critics accuse Trump of siding with Russia in attempts to end the conflict, and his administration twice halted arms supplies to Ukraine. These pauses occurred as Russian missile and UAV production steadily increased, with a 66% rise in ballistic missile manufacturing over the past year.

According to BBC Verify, from January 20 to July 19, Russia conducted 27,158 airstrikes on Ukraine, compared to 11,614 during the last six months of Biden’s presidency. The peak occurred in early July, when on July 9, Russia launched 748 drones and missiles at Ukraine.

Senator Chris Coons, the ranking Democrat on the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, says Trump’s decision to twice halt arms supplies and his overall approach to Russia have likely led the Kremlin to believe it can escalate its attacks.

RUSI analysts also believe US restrictions on military equipment have made Ukraine “vulnerable” to air strikes.