Ukraine vs. Russia: Battle for Iar Heats Up
The eastern Ukrainian town of Iar has become the latest focal point of intense fighting. Ukrainian military leader General Oleksandr Syrsky alleges that Russia aims to capture the town by May 9th.
In the meantime, Russian forces have bombarded the city and surrounding region of Kherson, along with the Sumy, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions. These attacks have damaged critical energy infrastructure, residential buildings, and resulted in further casualties.
Russian Shelling in Kherson and Sumy
Russian forces launched attacks on residential areas in Kherson, causing damage to several apartment buildings. Local authorities reported at least two fatalities and one injury from these strikes.
Eyewitness Accounts from Kherson
"The kitchen is completely destroyed – there's nothing left of it," recounted one resident.
"All the windows on our balcony are shattered, but thankfully everyone is alright," another resident commented.
Thwarted Assassination Attempt on Kherson Official
The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) announced the successful prevention of an assassination attempt targeting Oleksandr Prokudin, the head of the Kherson regional administration. According to SBU chief Vasyl Maliuk, the plot involved a drone launched approximately 12 kilometres away from the intended attack site. Prokudin's car was identified as the target. The drone's movements were being directed by a local resident recruited by the FSB, who was apprehended by authorities.
Shelling in Sumy and Donetsk
Ten settlements within the Sumy region were subjected to shelling attacks. The Russian assault employed a combination of artillery, mortars, rockets, drones, and KAB guided bombs. A residential building in the Donetsk region, located in the town of Ocheretny, was struck by a bomb, resulting in at least two deaths and two injuries.
Concerns Regarding Potential False Flag Operation at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant
The Ukrainian General Staff expressed concerns about the possibility of a Russian false flag operation occurring at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Additionally, General Syrsky of the Ukrainian army revealed that Russian forces are aiming to seize Iar by May 9th, a date that holds significance in Russia as it marks their victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Syrsky stated that Russian troops are concentrating their efforts on breaching Ukrainian defences west of Bakhmut with the objective of capturing Iar and subsequently advancing towards Kramatorsk.
Ukraine Reportedly Plans Crimean Bridge Destruction by Mid-July
According to a report by the British publication "The Sun," Ukrainian forces are planning to destroy the Crimea Bridge by mid-July. The report indicates that Storm Shadow missiles are intended to be used to dismantle the bridge structure, with the support of sea drones targeting the bridge's base. "The Sun" estimates that a minimum of 20-40 missiles would be necessary for this operation.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
