Title: Ukraine’s Drone Attack on Russian Base Leads to Massive Airstrikes
In a dramatic turn of events, Ukraine has launched a drone attack on a Russian base in Crimea, triggering Moscow’s massive retaliatory airstrikes. The attack, which reportedly targeted a Russian military installation deep within the annexed Crimean peninsula, has escalated tensions between the two countries. Here’s a summary of the key events from the past 24 hours:
– Ukraine’s military intelligence claims that a Ukrainian drone successfully struck a Russian military base in Crimea. This provocative act has further strained the already fragile relationship between Ukraine and Russia.
– Moscow has responded by conducting one of the most significant coordinated airstrikes ever launched by the Ukrainian military against Russian-controlled territory. According to Russia’s defense ministry, 42 drones that attacked Crimea were shot down, with none reaching their intended target. However, Ukraine reports explosions and casualties at the Russian coastal defense brigade’s base in the village of Perevalnoe, in the southern part of the Crimean peninsula.
– In light of reports suggesting that the United States has requested Iran to cease supplying drones to Russia, Moscow has brushed off these claims. Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergey Ryabkov, emphasized that their joint work with Iran remains unaffected by Washington’s alleged attempts to disrupt their collaboration. Iran also denies any recent drone shipments to Russia during the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
– Meanwhile, Turkey stands firm in its support for Ukraine’s original grain export agreement with Russia. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, during his visit to Kyiv, stated that there is no viable alternative to the existing deal. Fidan highlighted the risks associated with seeking alternative routes and emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue with all countries involved. Reviving the original agreement with Russia remains a priority for Turkey.
– Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also met with the Turkish foreign minister, describing the meeting as crucial. Zelensky condemned Russia’s attacks on grain exports in the Black Sea region, viewing them as a direct threat to global security. He expressed optimism in restoring security collaboratively with Turkey and emphasized their history of working together towards this goal.
– In other developments, Russia has commenced genetic testing on the bodies found at the site of the plane crash involving Yevgeny Prigozhin. The Kremlin previously extended condolences over the Wagner mercenary leader’s death but declined to confirm his presence aboard the ill-fated flight. The investigation into the crash continues, with the recovery of the black boxes and possible involvement of the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, Embraer.
– Tragically, two people lost their lives during Russian shelling of a café in the village of Podoli, located in Ukraine’s Kharkiv Oblast. This village was initially occupied following Russia’s invasion in February 2022 but was subsequently recaptured by Ukrainian forces in a counteroffensive last year. As Russian forces attempt to advance along the front line in the Kharkiv Oblast, the Ukrainian army acknowledged the increasing difficulty of the fighting but maintains its resilience in holding the front.
– Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev, highlights the indecisive military support from Western partners as a contributing factor to Ukraine’s counteroffensive challenges. Makeiev claims that Russia had ample time to fortify its positions while the Ukrainian assault brigades were being prepared and equipped. He stressed the significance of receiving F-16 fighters, as Ukraine currently lacks control of its skies. Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway have pledged their support in providing F-16s. Talks are also underway for the potential supply of Taurus cruise missiles from Germany.
– In a separate incident, Ukrainian shelling of the village of Urazovo in Russia’s Belgorod region resulted in six people sustaining injuries. The Ukrainian armed forces employed a drone in this attack, which was subsequently destroyed by Russia’s air defense systems. The resulting cluster munitions hit private residential buildings and an agricultural shop, causing harm to innocent civilians.
– Ukraine has received its first shipment of 122 mm high-explosive artillery shells, produced in collaboration with an Eastern European ammunition holding. These shells, compatible with D-30 and 2C1 Gvozdika artillery systems, are highly effective in targeting enemy positions, defense lines, and armored vehicles. The company Ukrainian Armor emphasized the importance of supplying such munitions to the Ukrainian gunners, as they significantly contribute to the success of the ongoing counteroffensive.
As tensions continue to escalate between Ukraine and Russia, the situation remains highly volatile. The international community is closely monitoring the developments, with hopes for a peaceful resolution and an end to the violence that has plagued the region for far too long.
