By Johan Ahlander and Simon Johnson STOCKHOLM, June 4 (Reuters) - After Ukraine said it will make the Gripen the backbone of its air force, the Swedish fighter jet is finally set to be tested in the role it was designed for: confronting Russia.

Next-generation drones and sophisticated air defence system have handed Kyiv the advantage as Russia continues massive air strikes

Kyiv hopes U.S.-mediated peace talks with Moscow could yield results before winter as Ukrainian officials grow concerned about shortages of anti-missile systems and signs Russia may be preparing a

Russian forces launched a massive aerial attack on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, and officials say at least 22 civilians were killed and 138 were wounded. The assault began overnight and continued during the day.

It is the highest on-the-record estimate of Russian military deaths to come from any government since the war in Ukraine began.

Why November, and what can Russia no longer afford? For the first time in years of major war, time has begun to work in Ukraine’s favor, and right now, Russia is running out of options, according to RBC-Ukraine's article.

Russia's missile and drone attack on Ukraine is a reflection of its growing battlefield weakness and desperation to deter Western support.