In a span of 24 hours, as Ukraine -Russia war intensifies, Ukraine witnessed intense bombardment as reported by Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, with 118 towns and villages targeted—the most aggressive assault in a single day this year. The attacks spanned across 10 of Ukraine’s 27 regions, causing casualties and destruction, particularly in communities close to the eastern and southern front lines.
Russia’s military has relentlessly bombarded Avdiivka, a strategically significant town in Donetsk, resulting in its severe devastation, as confirmed by local leader Vitaliy Barabash. The attacks resulted in civilian casualties, with two reported deaths, and local leaders expressed concerns about an impending third wave of the offensive.
Reports highlighted that the region, especially Avdiivka, faced over 40 significant shelling attacks in a single day, and Ukraine expressed the view that Russia was bolstering its presence in the area to encircle and take control of the town. Ukrainian armed forces, however, successfully repelled twenty attacks in the Avdiivka area alone on Tuesday.
Moreover, in Ukraine -Russia war Russia escalated attacks on other locations, such as Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region and attempts to prevent Ukrainian forces from reclaiming territory around Bakhmut. Significantly, attacks occurred away from the front lines, reaching cities like Nikopol and Kremenchuk. In the latter, a Russian drone set fire to a disused oil refinery.
Ukraine’s counter-offensive, while ongoing, faced challenges in regaining Russian-occupied territories in the south and east, raising concerns about potential fatigue among Western allies in supporting the conflict.
Volodymyr Zelensky
President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the slower progress of the counter-offensive and repeatedly urged allies for more advanced weaponry and continued unity. The Ukrainian military commander warned that the conflict was entering a more static stage, favoring Russia’s ability to rebuild its military power.
Despite these challenges, the U.S. has requested a substantial financial package for both Ukraine and Israel, underlining the importance of support to thwart Putin’s success. President Zelensky highlighted the successes in reducing Russia’s control over the Black Sea but acknowledged the need for continued protection and support.
Recent attacks have also affected the Black Sea fleet headquarters, causing most ships to vacate occupied Crimea. Despite efforts to create a secure export corridor for civilian vessels carrying grain, reports indicated disruptions caused by Russian attacks, leading to a continued reliance on defense forces to maintain the navigational corridor.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu claimed that despite new weapons from NATO, Ukraine was losing the war, citing heavy losses and alleged advances by Russian units, although no evidence was provided to support these assertions. President Vladimir Putin initiated the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.