Six casualties reported in assaults in Ukraine - Russia announces control over three settlements
In the urban area of Kharkiv, a tragic incident occurred where a 14-year-old girl met her end in an aerial bombardment upon a playground, as asserted by Mayor Ihor Terechow. Beyond this tragedy, three additional casualties were registered following an assault on a towering building. The local governor, Oleh Synehubov, also reported at least 28 individuals injured.
A sinister incident unfolded during the cover of night within Sumy's cityscape, according to the regional prosecutor's office. Unfortunately, a victim was discovered under the rubble, and another casualty was attributed to hospital complications following the incident. Subsequently, flames erupted post-attack, and eight more people endured injuries.
Sumy, renowned as the capital of the Sumy region, is positioned south of the aforementioned Kharkiv territories and shares its eastern borders with the Russian region of Kursk. Ukraine initiated a military campaign in Kursk during August, with the intention of establishing a safeguard zone to shield its populace from further hostilities. In retaliation, Moscow retaliated with airstrikes. Since August 9, approximately 21,000 individuals have departed the Sumy region due to Russian attacks.
In its weekly report, the Russian Ministry of Defense revealed the claimed capture of three additional settlements in eastern Ukraine. The entities claimed to have seized control of Novoselivka and Kostjantynivka within the Donetsk region, and Synkivka within the Kharkiv region.
Novoselivka, situated about 20 kilometers southeast of the critical city of Pokrovsk, has witnessed a consistent Russian force progression for weeks. Ukrainian army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi recently indicated that the surrounding area of Pokrovsk constituted the most challenging scenario for Ukrainian forces at the moment. "The enemy is attempting to breach our troop defenses. Yet, thus far, these assaults have been effectively repelled," Syrskyi reported during a virtual conference.
Within the last 24 hours, Ukrainian troops managed to advance up to two kilometers in specific sectors while executing their offensive within the Russian border region of Kursk, Syrskyi added. Ukrainian air force commander Mykola Oleschchuk disclosed that his forces had successfully downed 12 Shahed drones during the nighttime hours. An additional four drones had collided without causing damage to their designated targets.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy demanded the loosening of restrictions imposed upon the employment of Western weaponry to target specific Russian entities. "We require decisive actions from our alliances to curtail this terror," Zelenskyy voiced on digital platforms. He also emphasized the significance of implementing agreements related to air defense.
The European Union expressed its condemnation of the ongoing airstrikes in Ukraine, calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to peace negotiations. Despite the EU's sanctions against Russia, some member states have been criticized for their continued energy dependency on Russian gas.
Given the current situation in Ukraine, the European Union has increased its support to Ukraine, providing humanitarian aid, military equipment, and diplomatic assistance in international forums.
