- Zelensky warns Russia of consequences for conducting air assaults
After intense Russian airstrikes on Ukraine, President Zelensky has announced a counterattack. He revealed that the country is preparing its retaliation using F-16 fighter jets provided by the West, as stated in his evening address. Reports from Kyiv claim that Russia attacked Ukraine with 236 missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, resulting in at least 7 deaths and 47 injuries. Ukraine has been facing a Russian invasion since February 2022.
Zelensky did not reveal specifics about the forthcoming counterstrike. However, he mentioned the ongoing Ukrainian offensive in the Russian region of Kursk, which has persisted for three weeks now. Ukrainian forces have expanded their control here and captured more Russian prisoners of war, enhancing the prospects for prisoner exchanges.
Zelensky: Kursk offensive offsets weapons approval hold-up
The president explained the invasion in Kursk by stating that Western allies have yet to authorize the use of long-range weapons on Russian soil. The presence of Ukrainian troops and their efforts to neutralize the Russian threat serve as compensation for the lack of approval.
On August 6, Ukraine infiltrated the Kursk region with approximately 10,000 soldiers. Zelensky had also hinted at strengthening pressure on Moscow to initiate talks for a fair peace agreement. However, Russia invalidated these talks after the invasion.
Zelensky announces measures against graft
In his address, Zelensky also discussed internal issues in Ukraine's fight against Russia's aggressive war. He reported the existence of collaborators and legal proceedings against Ukrainians who support Russian aggression or even participate in the conflict against Kyiv. The Ukrainian security service frequently shares updates on arrests and verdicts in these cases.
During a meeting with the heads of the Prosecutor General's Office and the border guard, Zelensky focused on illegal emigration from the country. Many Ukrainians attempting to evade military service bribe smugglers to leave the country via the unguarded border. Zelensky unveiled a plan to address these issues. He also plans to combat corruption in conscription offices, where some conscripts allegedly pay to secure exemptions from military service by obtaining a certificate of unfitness.
Zelensky's announcement of a counterstrike against Russia remains vague, but the ongoing Ukrainian offensive in Kursk suggests a possible escalation in the war.
The presence of this war in Kursk has highlighted the need for Ukraine to confront corruption within its conscription processes, as some conscripts reportedly pay to secure exemptions from military service.
