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Analysis reveals a surge in Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukraine since Donald Trump's inauguration in January, challenging his calls for a ceasefire and raising concerns among U.S. officials. **Summary** Since Donald Trump’s re-inauguration, Russian assaults on Ukraine have drastically increased, with military intelligence reporting a 133% rise in missile and drone strikes. Trump, while advocating for a ceasefire, faces criticism for actions perceived as favoring Russia which, according to analysts, has emboldened Moscow's aggressive tactics. Since the return of President Donald Trump to the White House in January, Russian military assaults on Ukraine have more than doubled, according to a recent BBC Verify analysis. Recorded missile and drone strikes have reached unprecedented levels for the ongoing conflict, which has intensified following Trump’s electoral victory in November 2023. Initially, air attacks had escalated under former President Joe Biden earlier in the year, but they surged significantly after Trump took office.Throughout his campaign, Trump promised swift action to end hostilities and claimed the situation could have been avoided if a leader respected by the Kremlin had served. However, critics have accused him of inadvertently supporting Russia by pausing military assistance to Ukraine, including air defense munitions, on two occasions since taking power. Ukrainian military intelligence indicates that Russia’s ballistic missile production has surged by 66% within the last year.Data analyzed by BBC Verify, which is based on reports from the Ukrainian Air Force, showed that from January 20 to July 19, Russia launched an astonishing 27,158 munitions compared to 11,614 during the last six months of Biden's presidency. The White House has suggested that Biden's mismanagement paved the way for this escalation, with Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly stating that Trump aims to halt the fighting, possessing an arsenal of American-made weapons ready for NATO allies and firm tariffs against Putin if he does not comply with a ceasefire.In the initial phases of Trump’s administration, Russian attacks dipped slightly, supposedly encouraged by positive overtures aimed at drawing President Vladimir Putin to a resolution. Nonetheless, February saw renewed aggression, culminating in increased assaults shortly after diplomatic talks between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian officials. The climax of these attacks occurred on July 9, with Moscow reportedly unleashing 748 munitions, resulting in injuries and fatalities.Despite expressing frustration at the continuous attacks, Trump’s responses have not appeared to alter Russia's operations. As noted by lawmakers, including Senator Chris Coons from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Trump's temporary suspension of arms to Ukraine may have signaled to the Kremlin that it could act with more aggression. Coons suggested that Russia has exploited perceived weakness within Trump's administration, allegedly increasing brutal attacks targeting civilians and critical infrastructure.To address this heightened threat, fresh appeals for advanced air defense systems, such as the Patriot batteries, have emerged. These systems are recognized as vital to Ukraine's defense efforts against Moscow’s aerial onslaught, with each battery reportedly costing around $1 billion and individual missiles priced close to $4 million.While Trump has reinstated previous arms deliveries and expressed a desire to supply NATO partners with weaponry intended for Ukraine, analysts believe that U.S. military supply limitations have left Ukraine vulnerable. Importantly, recent updates indicate that Russia's military capacity is fortified with substantial increases in both drone and missile production, including their domestically built Geran drones.Timur Shagivaleyev, director of a major Russian drone production facility, emphasized that they are now fabricating nine times more units than anticipated. This expansion reflects a commitment to ramping production levels, as satellite imagery shows significant growth in manufacturing capability.Senator Coons warned that Washington must project a steadfast commitment to resolving the conflict. He urged Trump to actively counter any narrative that suggests the U.S. might distance itself from supporting Ukraine, asserting that true peace can only arise from enhanced security cooperation. As the conflict drags on, the psychological toll on Ukrainian citizens is palpable, with feelings of fatigue and despair looming amid ongoing hostilities. Dasha Volk, a journalist from Kyiv, illustrated the daily anxiety experienced by those living under constant threat from Russian attacks.