US says Ukraine has 30-45 days before bad weather complicates counteroffensive
32 kamikaze drones attacked Kyiv early this morning. Explosions were heard in the Ukrainian capital and its region for nearly two hours, and Ukrainian authorities say 25 of them were destroyed.
Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that Ukraine launched eight drones over the Black Sea, near the Crimean Peninsula, but they were destroyed. The Ukrainian army's counteroffensive continues in the southeastern part of the country against Russian forces. However, the Chief of Staff of the United States Armed Forces is urging Ukraine to hurry before bad weather complicates its counteroffensive.
Drone attack on Kyiv
Multiple Russian drones attacked Kyiv early this morning. Ukrainian authorities say no casualties have been reported, but four people were injured. This is considered the most powerful attack this spring and so far. 25 of the drones were shot down by Ukraine's air defence. Fragments from these weapons fell in several neighbourhoods of Kyiv and caused damage.
Also this morning, Russia's air defence systems shot down eight drones launched by Ukraine over the Black Sea, near the Crimean Peninsula. The statement was made by the Russian Ministry of Defense, without announcing if there were any casualties or damage.
Elections in occupied parts of Ukraine
Meanwhile, local and regional elections, including in the occupied parts of Ukraine, also took place today. People in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhia regions had the opportunity to elect new leaders imposed by Russia.
VOX: "I want peace, it is the greatest desire, we will do the rest, peace is important.";
"We are very happy that elections are being held, that we can participate in them";
"Turnout is high. People of all ages come, including those over 80 years old."
Ukrainian counteroffensive
Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff of the United States Armed Forces, General Mark Milley, says that Ukraine has 30-45 days of fighting left before bad weather prevents its counteroffensive.
“The Ukrainians have made progress and maintained their position on the front, which is significant. However, there remains a reasonable period of time, between 30 and 45 days, before the weather complicates their combat operations for the counteroffensive. This battle is not over," said Mark Milley.
However, the head of the Ukrainian Military Intelligence Service, Kirilo Budanov, told Reuters that Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russian forces will continue after the start of the cold season, even if it will be more difficult to fight.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
