- Zelensky issues warning of retaliation against Russia following aerial assaults
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared retaliation for Russia's extensive air assaults on his nation. In a late-night video address, Zelensky mentioned that the military retaliation would involve F-16 fighter jets provided by the West. According to Ukrainian sources, Russia unleashed over 236 missiles, cruise missiles, and drones against its neighbor within a brief span, focusing largely on the country's power infrastructure.
The air strikes on Monday reportedly resulted in at least seven fatalities and 47 injuries, as per official reports. Many areas in Ukraine were under an air alert overnight, leading into Tuesday. A Russian missile allegedly hit a hotel in the major city of Kryvyi Rih, resulting in at least two fatalities, as reported by local media, citing city and regional military administrations. Some sources indicated that up to five individuals could be trapped beneath the fallen building, with rescue efforts still underway. Kryvyi Rih, an industrial city in the Dnipropetrovsk region, is Zelensky's hometown.
Zelensky did not provide specifics about the retaliation for Monday's air assaults. However, he did refer to the ongoing Ukrainian offensive in the Russian region of Kursk, which has been ongoing for three weeks. Ukrainian forces have gained control and captured more Russian prisoners of war, enhancing chances for prisoner exchanges.
Zelensky: Restoration of damaged power infrastructure will be initiated
Following the Russian attacks, Ukrainian authorities reported significant damage to the country's energy infrastructure. Power outages were also reported for Tuesday. "The terror state attacked civilian targets with cluster munitions," Zelensky stated after a meeting with the military leadership via Telegram. Before repairs to the energy sector can commence, the cluster bombs need to be disarmed.
Prior to this, Zelensky had urged for more weapons from allies and the release of long-range Western rockets for attacks on Russian territories in a video address. However, there are constraints on their use at present.
Russia's retaliation for Kyiv's Kursk offensive
Several regions of Ukraine experienced air alerts for hours on Monday. The attacks were seen as part of Russia's retaliation for the Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region, which commenced on August 6. The Ukrainian air defense reportedly intercepted 201 attacks, according to their own figures.
Pro-Moscow forces have criticized Moscow for delaying a response. Experts believe that Ukrainian forces could control the occupied Russian villages for months.
Zelensky: Kursk offensive offsets lack of weapons approval
President Zelensky also justified the invasion in the Kursk region by claiming that Western allies have yet to approve the use of long-range weapons on Russian territory. The presence of Ukrainian troops and their efforts to neutralize the Russian threat serve as a substitute, he said.
Three weeks ago, Ukraine invaded the Kursk region with approximately 10,000 troops. Zelensky also mentioned increasing pressure on Moscow to enter into negotiations for a fair peace solution to the nearly three-year-old conflict initiated by the Kremlin. Russia declared that the invasion nullified its readiness for talks.
Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Discusses with NATO General
The Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Olexander Syrskyj, announced on Telegram a conversation with the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Christopher G. Cavoli. The discussion covered the frontline situation, strengthening air defense, and protecting cities and critical infrastructure from Russia's persistent attacks. Syrskyj reportedly emphasized the need for weapons, additional ammunition, and military equipment.
Besides territory gains in the offensive in the Russian region of Kursk, Ukrainian forces continue to face intense pressure in the eastern part of their own country. In response to Russia's advance in the Pokrovsk region of Donetsk, Zelensky announced a reinforcement for the region in a meeting with military leaders. Russian troops have recently claimed capturing entire settlements in the Donetsk area.
Donetsk Region Orders Additional Evacuations
Ukrainian authorities ordered further evacuations due to Russia's advance in the area. Expansion of the forced evacuation zone was necessary due to the worsening security situation, as announced by the Donetsk region's governor. A total of 27 settlements in the Konstantinovka and Selydove areas were included in the evacuation list. Previously, due to the advance of Russian troops, an evacuation of villages in the Pokrovsk area was ordered.
What's Notable on Tuesday
A nuclear power plant is situated in the contested Russian region of Kursk, which Moscow considers endangered by Ukrainian attacks. The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, plans to visit the site on Tuesday with a team to evaluate the situation. Given the ongoing fighting near the nuclear plant, the situation is deemed critical, Grossi said.
The nuclear power plant in the city of Kursk is approximately 30 kilometers away from the most advanced Ukrainian position. Last week, Russia informed the IAEA about a downed drone in the vicinity of the power plant. However, it remains unclear whether the nuclear power plant is a target of the Ukrainian advance.
Grossi has previously visited the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine multiple times and stationed an IAEA team there. The ongoing presence of international experts aims not only to monitor the situation but also to deter fighting that could trigger a nuclear disaster.
In response to the air strikes in his hometown of Kryvyi Rih, which is located in the Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasized the need for more weapons and military equipment to strengthen the country's air defense.
During a meeting with the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Christopher G. Cavoli, Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Olexander Syrskyj discussed the importance of additional weapons and ammunition for protecting cities and critical infrastructure from Russian attacks, specifically focusing on the Dnipropetrovsk region.
