Zelensky advocates for striking Russian airbases.
Following the recent Russian aerial assaults on Ukrainian urban areas, President Zelenskyy reinforced his request to the West for authorization to launch counter-attacks within Russian territory. According to Zelenskyy, this would require striking Russian airbases and disrupting the logistics of Russian aggression. Ukrainian negotiations with relevant parties in Washington are ongoing in this regard.
As per Ukrainian news sources, the American side has been presented with a list of potential targets for such Ukrainian strikes using long-range weapons of Western origin. Zelenskyy commented, "Clearing Ukrainian skies of Russian guided bombs is a significant step towards compelling Russia to seek a termination of the war and a fair peace." In Kharkiv alone, an air strike on a residential building left six fatalities and 99 injured.
Zelenskyy pleaded, "I address the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany: We must be capable of thoroughly defending Ukraine and its people. We require authorization for long-range strikes and your long-range missiles and rockets."
Urgently Required Additional Air Defense Systems for the New School Year
So far, the West has refused to endorse the use of delivered heavy weapons for striking Russian territory. Consequently, the Ukrainian military relies on indigenously produced combat drones for attacks on these targets. However, these drones possess limited explosive capacity.
As the new school year approaches, Ukraine is eagerly anticipating the delivery of promised additional air defense systems. These are crucial, Zelenskyy stated, "to enhance the security of our Ukrainian children in schools, cities, and the energy sector." He hoped for expeditious implementation of existing agreements, though he provided no details.
Along the eastern frontlines, skirmishes between Ukrainian defenders and Russian attackers have continued unabated. The General Staff in Kyiv reported a total of 109 armed conflicts across the day. The majority of the fighting centered around Pokrovsk, a city on the outskirts of Donbass, where Russian units targeted Ukrainian defense lines with artillery support 23 times. Repels were reported, as per reports. Russian assaults were also reported from the vicinity of Kuracheve. These reports remain unverified.
Sushcha "is being obliterated by the Russians"
Heavy Russian artillery bombardments were reported in the Sumy region. At least 15 different settlements were bombarded, according to these reports. The Sumy region serves as a crucial supply route for Ukrainian troops advancing into the Russian Kursk region. No updates were provided by the Ukrainian side regarding the progress of this offensive.
Massive Russian artillery strikes have also been reported in the Ukrainian-occupied city of Sudzha in the Kursk region. The Russian military is reportedly systematically demolishing their own city, which still houses around 200 of its original 5,000 inhabitants, Ukrainian media commented. "Even though Sudzha is behind the front lines, the Russians are obliterating the city," the Unian agency noted. Ukraine has designated Sudzha as the headquarters for its military operations in the Kursk region.
The international community continues to scrutinize the escalating situation in Ukraine, following Zelenskyy's plea for authorization to launch counter-attacks within Russian territory in response to The attack on Ukraine. Despite the lack of Western endorsement for striking Russian soil, Ukraine is eagerly anticipating the delivery of additional air defense systems to bolster its defense capabilities.
