Zelensky: War should return to Russia
Ukraine goes on the offensive with a series of attacks on Russian airfields and refineries in recent days. President Selenskyj demands that the West give the green light for the use of heavy weapons.
President Volodymyr Selenskyj says that Ukraine must continue its long-range strikes against Russia. "Ukraine must strike, really long-range strikes against the Russian occupier," Selenskyj said in his evening video address about the latest attacks by Ukrainian forces against targets on Russian territory. The attacks on Russian airfields, oil refineries, and logistics facilities are particularly effective, "when the consequences of the Russian war come home and the enemy in the occupied territories of our country has no place for peace."
The Ukrainian military has recently attacked targets on Russian territory multiple times. Drone attacks set several fuel depots on fire. The Russian Telegram channel Mash spread videos that are said to show such fires in the Rostov region. Governor Vasily Golubyev confirmed attacks on the districts of Kamensk and Morozovsk, where several objects were damaged. Alone over the Rostov region, 55 Ukrainian drones were counted, he wrote on Telegram.
According to Mash reports, the attacks also targeted the Russian air bases of Morozovsk and Millerovo in the region. On the Morozovsk air base, an ammunition depot with glide bombs was hit, the Ukrainian General Staff in Kyiv reported. There was no confirmation from the Russian side.
Submarine Sunk?
Ukraine also claimed to have sunk a Russian submarine. Through a combined attack with rockets and minesweepers, a Russian air defense system S-400 was hit and a diesel-electric submarine was sunk in the port of Sevastopol on the occupied Crimean peninsula, the General Staff in Kyiv reported. The submarine "Rostov-on-Don", a boat of the so-called Kilo class that was launched only ten years ago, sank immediately. The report on the sinking could not be independently confirmed. There was no comment from the Russian side.
Selenskyj reiterated his demand to the Western partners of Ukraine to give their approval for the use of the heavy weapons - cruise missiles and rockets - they have provided against targets on Russian territory. "We need this decision so that we can use all the weapons that are effective," Selenskyj said. So far, Ukraine can only use combat drones of its own production, but the explosive power of such weapons is often not sufficient.
"We must protect the life of our people and end the war on Ukrainian terms," Selenskyj justified his demand. "And every strike that exactly answers the Russian bombs, that destroys Russian logistics and Russian support points, that makes it harder for the occupier to stay on our land - every such strike brings a just end to the war closer."
Thanks to partners for sanctions against Moscow
Selenskyj once again thanked the partners of his country for their support, especially for their pressure on Moscow. "All sanctions, all decisions, every form of pressure on the aggressor due to this war must continue to work and be strengthened, so that the Russian state cannot circumvent the sanctions," Selenskyj said. "The more difficult it is for Moscow to maintain its military production and supply the army, the more it will actually force Russia to peace."
Military from both sides reported fighting on almost all front sections in Ukraine. Once again, the region west of the Donbass was the scene of heavy clashes, as Russian and Ukrainian military leaders agreed. No information was provided on any shifts in the front favoring one of the warring parties.
The European Union has been urgently called upon by President Selenskyj to approve the use of heavy weapons by Ukraine, as their current arsenal, including combat drones, may not have sufficient explosive power. The European Union, as an influential global entity, holds significant influence over the situation, and its decision could significantly impact Ukraine's offensive against Russian territories.
