Russian air attacks in eastern Ukraine result in one fatality – Moscow announces blazes in oil storage facilities
In the early hours, Russian forces claimed responsibility for slaughtering four individuals and demolishing a residence in Izmajilivka, as reported by Filashkin on Telegram. These victims hailed from the same family. Two additional fatalities ensued from an assault close to Chasiv Yar, alongside extensive property damage, Filashkin also noted.
Russian military units continue to push eastward in Ukraine, drawing nearer to the strategic logistics hub of Pokrovsk. Various settlements have been reportedly seized, as per Russian-sourced info. On a Wednesday note, the Russian Defense Ministry declared the acquisition of Komyshuvakha, situated about 20 kilometers southeast of Pokrovsk.
In retaliation to the Russian advance, Ukrainian authorities have mandated mass evacuations in the area. As td by Governor Filashkin, a staggering 2718 individuals were evacuated on Tuesday, with nearly 400 being minors.
Subsequently, two fuel depots within the Russian regions of Rostov and Kirov experienced conflagrations following Ukrainian drone strikes. Firefighters are still battling the blaze at Kamensky district, as per Rostov Governor Vasily Golubev's disclosure on Telegram. None reports of injuries or near residential buildings' threats were noted.
Ukrainian security sources alleged that the struck facility was "an integral part" of ensuring Russian occupation troops' supplies.
In the Russian city of Kotelnich, situated within the western region of Kirov, a fuel depot was also attacked by drones, according to Governor Alexander Sokolov. The fires were soon extinguished, with no reported injuries or damages. Kirov region lies 1100 kilometers from the Ukrainian-border. This was the inaugural such incident there since the 2022 Ukraine war's commencement.
Since the conflict's onset, Ukraine has pursued retributive strikes on Russian oil and gas facilities, following Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commended his forces' attacks on Russian oil facilities, stating they would contribute to a "just resolution" of the conflict.
The Kremlin expressed disapproval over Kyiv's decision to abandon the contract extension with Russian gas supplier Gazprom, supplying Russian gas to Europe through Ukraine beyond December 31, maintaining that it would "[harm] the interests of European consumers."
Despite the ongoing conflict, Russia managed to deliver more than 14 billion cubic meters of gas to Europe via Ukraine in 2023, with main receivers being Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia.
Turing to the recent appointment of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Germany and Britain restated their backing for Ukraine. Both nations remain steadfast in support of Ukraine, as asserted by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) at a joint press conference. "We will sustain our financial, economic, political, and military backing as required", he affirmed.
The recently announced bilateral cooperation agreement between Germany and UK, as communicated by Scholz and Starmer, will also contribute to defending Ukraine. "We are resolute in deterring a more aggressive Russia, maintaining our support for Ukraine, and strengthening European defense", the joint statement read.
Russian Air Force conducted a colossal barrage of missile and drone attacks against Ukraine on Monday and Tuesday nights, targeting energy infrastructure and resulting in several casualties. Ukrainian President Selenskyj persistently advocated for swift delivery of modern air defense systems from allies.
The European Union has expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the attacks on civilian infrastructure, including fuel depots. In response to the Russian advance in Ukraine, several European nations, such as Germany and Britain, have reiterated their support for Ukraine and pledged to continue providing financial, economic, political, and military backing.
