The conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to intensify with Ukraine’s military intelligence (GUR) reporting an attack on a Russian enemy ammunition depot in the Voronezh region, causing significant explosions and a fire. This offensive action is part of Ukraine’s strategy to target Russian military or strategic assets on Russian soil with drones or missiles, aiming to weaken the adversary’s rear guard with Western-supplied weapons. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has reacted strongly to Ukraine’s use of American ATACMS rockets in an attack on Sevastopol, resulting in civilian casualties including two children. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accused the US of being complicit in the attacks, hinting at potential consequences for the involvement. Russia has summoned the American ambassador to protest the use of US-made missiles in these attacks, claiming the US bears ‘equal responsibility’ for the civilian deaths. In retaliation, Russian forces have destroyed two Ukrainian military equipment storage facilities and inflicted damage on enemy forces and military equipment in 128 areas. Additionally, Russia has reported the downing of 79 Ukrainian drones and four HIMARS rockets. On the political front, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia will not cease its special military operation in Ukraine even if peace negotiations begin, citing previous experiences of deceit during ceasefire agreements. The Russian Ministry of Defense has also accused Kiev of showing interest in weapons of mass destruction, based on documents obtained during a special operation in Ukraine. As the war drags on, the death toll rises, with Russia announcing the destruction of 2345 Ukrainian soldiers and the downing of dozens of missiles and rockets launched by Kiev forces within the past 24 hours. The international community watches with concern as the possibility of a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis remains uncertain, with Russia’s proposal for a political solution hinging on Ukraine’s withdrawal from Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhia, and renunciation of its NATO membership aspirations.
Key points
- Ukraine targeted a Russian ammunition depot in Voronezh, causing a large fire and explosions.
- Russia summoned the American ambassador over Ukraine’s use of US-made missiles in attacks on Crimea.
- Russia will not halt military operations during potential peace negotiations, according to Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
- Russian Ministry of Defense claims Kiev is interested in weapons of mass destruction.
- Russia reports the destruction of 2345 Ukrainian soldiers and downing of Ukrainian missiles and rockets.
Contradictions👾The Russian Defense Ministry initially claimed that all Ukrainian rockets were intercepted, but later retracted this statement, admitting that casualties among the civilian population occurred.
