Kiev attacked by Russians with kamikaze drones, sixth strike this month
Russian attacks continue unabated in Ukraine, hitting civilian targets and critical infrastructure. Two civilians, including a 10-year-old child, have been killed in the Donetsk region and at least 10 others have been injured. At the same time, the Atomic Energy Agency has confirmed the presence of landmines on the perimeter of the Russian-occupied Zaporozhye nuclear power plant. UN experts discovered the mines during their last inspection yesterday in a restricted area outside the perimeter of the indoor and outdoor facilities, where staff had no access.
Air raid alerts sounded for more than three hours in both the capital and the eastern half of the country. According to Ukrainian officials, all the drones were shot down by defence systems.
On the frontline, the Ukrainian army says it has managed to clear Avdeeka of invaders. This makes it possible to encircle Bahmut. However, the advance is difficult and progress slow because of the mined terrain. The Ukrainian counteroffensive also faces difficulties because of the Russians' ability to jam drones. At the same time, Kiev has announced that it will continue to strike the Kerch bridge to destroy the enemy's logistical lines to prevent it from getting more ammunition, fuel and food.
"Maximum attention is paid to those areas where we are advancing and those where Ukrainian forces are on the defensive. In all areas, the first task is to destroy as much as possible of the occupiers, their equipment, supplies, warehouses and headquarters. Russia must lose every day - that's right," said Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski.
Meanwhile, the European Union has strongly condemned Russian attacks on Ukraine's port infrastructure and is announcing a new €1.5 billion in aid. The United States will also provide a military package of up to $400 million. This includes a range of munitions - from missiles for HIMARS and surface-to-air missiles Stingers and Javelins, to munitions for advanced air defence systems and Hornet surveillance drones. At the same time, the White House has made it clear that it does not support attacks inside Russia. The statement comes after two Ukrainian drones hit buildings in Moscow yesterday.
White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre explained that the US does not support attacks inside Russia, but that Crimea is a special case.
"In general, we do not support attacks inside Russia. But we've also made it very clear that Crimea is indeed Ukraine. And again, I will repeat that if we are to talk about this war, we all know that Russia started it and can end it today."
On the other side, Russia has announced it will take tough measures against Ukraine after the drone strikes, including one near the Defense Ministry headquarters. At the same time, the Kremlin, which denies bombing the Odessa Cathedral, saying it targeted units "preparing terrorist acts against the Russian Federation", accuses Kiev of terrorist attacks on Moscow.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko prayed for peace at the Valaam Monastery in Karelia, one of Russia's most revered Orthodox sites.
