- Zelensky warns Russia of retaliatory measures involving F-16 fighter aircraft.
After the significant Russian air attacks towards Ukraine, President Zelensky announced retaliation measures. He mentioned that the military response is being arranged using F-16 fighter jets provided by the West, as he addressed the nation in his evening video message. Reports from Kyiv suggest that Russia launched 236 missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, resulting in at least seven fatalities and 47 injuries. Ukraine has been resisting a Russian invasion since February 2022.
Zelensky did not disclose specifics about the retaliation plan. However, he reiterated the Ukrainian offensive action in the Russian region of Kursk, which has been underway for three weeks now. Ukrainian forces have broadened their control and captured an increased number of Russian prisoners of war, thereby enhancing the possibility of prisoner exchange negotiations.
Zelensky: Kursk offensive serves as a substitute for weapon approval rejection
The president justified the invasion in the Kursk region by asserting that Western allies have not yet sanctioned the deployment of long-range weapons on Russian territory. The presence of Ukrainian forces and their attempts to quell the Russian threat are a substitute for the approval shortage.
On August 6, Ukraine initiated an invasion of the Kursk region with approximately 10,000 troops. Zelensky also emphasized the need for increased pressure on Moscow to initiate negotiations for a fair peace treaty. However, Russia declared these negotiations void following the invasion.
Zelensky declares war on corruption
In his address, Zelensky addressed domestic challenges in Ukraine's battle against Russia's aggressive war. Reports indicate collaborators and criminal proceedings against Ukrainians who support Russian aggression or participate in the conflict against Kyiv. The Ukrainian security service consistently reports arrests and judgments in such instances.
At a meeting with the General Prosecutor's Office and border guard leaders, Zelensky discussed illegal immigration from the country. Many Ukrainians escaping military service resort to paying smugglers to leave the nation through the unguarded border. Zelensky introduced a strategy to tackle these problems. He also pledged to combat corruption in conscription offices, where some conscripts sometimes pay to secure exemption from military service by procuring a certificate of unfitness.
Zelensky's declaration of war on corruption in Ukraine's internal affairs is a parallel to his military responses against Russia. His aim is to eliminate collaborators and criminal activities supporting Russian aggression.
Despite the ongoing Russian war, the internal conflict within Ukraine has not subsided. Reports suggest that some individuals evade military service by bribing conscription officers, presenting unfitness certificates illegally.
