Ukrainian Army advances in south, Russia intensifies bombings in Kyiv
Six Ukrainian pilots were killed after two helicopters collided in the Donetsk region. The cause of the accident has not yet been reported. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Army is advancing on the southern front, recovering territory occupied by Russia. The Russian Defense Ministry claims that the Russian air defense system shot down two Ukrainian drones and a missile over Crimea.
Russia has intensified its shelling of Kyiv in recent days, leaving behind ruins. Among those who have been displaced is Liudmila Skyba and her family. The woman says that the roof and walls of her home were completely destroyed, and now, with the help of neighbors, she is removing the rubble.
“As soon as the first explosion happened, we went downstairs. Then the second explosion came and immediately a fire started in the living room. We quickly ran outside. Unfortunately, the second floor burned down completely.”
“When we arrived, everything was on fire. The firefighters were extinguishing the fire. The roof burned down and the garage was damaged. My son-in-law's car is parked there,” says another local.
“Our building was less damaged. The fence and gates fell, the car is damaged. The child was scared,” says another resident of Kyiv.
A military spokesman said that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are making progress in the direction of Melitopol. The Ukrainians are consolidating their new positions and moving further south. The ultimate goal is to reach the Sea of Azov to destroy Russian logistical and communication lines.
Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Wednesday evening that harsh measures will be taken against those who offer bribes to avoid being drafted into the Ukrainian Army.
“In the course of the criminal proceedings that are underway against the recruitment officials, it is clear that many decisions issued were illegal. Military investigators have identified several falsified documents in military centers. There is clear evidence. The bribes range from $3,000 to $15,000. They will be held accountable.”
According to the Ukrainian press, after the invasion of Russian forces, all eligible men in the neighboring country are required to enlist in the army, and many enlist as volunteers. Others, however, pay a lot of money to avoid being included in the recruitment lists or bribe border officials to leave the country.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
