- Zelenskyy expresses disdain towards Russian assault on media personnel.
Following a lethal Russian artillery barrage on a lodging houses foreign journalists in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky has passionately criticized the assault. "This is Russia's everyday terror," Zelensky stated in his nightly video address. The global community must take prompt and firm action to halt the aggressor, Russia. "Time equals losses. And the longer we wait, the more harm Russia can inflict."
The incident occurred in the eastern Ukrainian metropolis of Kramatorsk, where a six-person Reuters news agency team was residing. A British security consultant to the journalists was tragically slain, with his remains discovered several hours later. Two more journalists were wounded, including a German individual.
In the eastern Ukrainian city of Sumy, at least four people lost their lives and thirteen civilians were hurt due to Russian artillery attacks during the day.
Zelensky utilized these assaults to appeal to the international community to exert additional pressure on the "terrorist state" that has engaged in a damaging war against Ukraine for nearly three years. Alongside the complete enforcement of sanctions against Moscow, Zelensky once again requested the utilization of frozen Russian funds to assist his nation. He recalled a commitment by the seven major Western industrialized nations (G7) to provide Ukraine with a $50 billion loan secured by interest from frozen Russian assets.
Ukraine monitors troop deployment in Belarus
The Ukrainian administration verified the troop reinforcement announced by neighboring Belarus earlier this week. According to the Foreign Ministry in Kyiv, new units equipped with tanks, artillery, and air defense have been identified in the Gomel district of Belarus. Mercenaries from the former Russian Wagner group have likewise been noticed.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry asked the Minsk authorities to avoid making tragic errors under Moscow's influence and to withdraw troops to a suitable distance from the common border. It was also highlighted in Kyiv that there are no plans for any hostile actions against the Belarusian people.
Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko announced troop reinforcements toward the Ukrainian border only a few days ago. He cited heavy troop concentrations on the Ukrainian side as the justification, asserting that Ukraine had deployed around 120,000 soldiers there.
The country borderline with Russia is not actively engaged in the conflict against Ukraine. However, Lukashenko permitted the advancement of Russian troops into Ukraine via Belarus in February 2022. Following significant setbacks and losses in their attempt to advance towards Kyiv, these Russian units were forced to retreat.
Situation along the eastern Ukraine frontlines remains tense
In eastern Ukraine, intense combat around the Donbass continues unabated. The towns of Pokrovsk and Torez were once again subjected to repeated Russian attacks. There have yet to be any specific updates regarding the evacuation of the civilian inhabitants from Pokrovsk.
In their advance into the western Russian region of Kursk, Ukrainian units reported further successes. "We are advancing further in the Kursk region - up to three kilometers," Zelensky declared. Ukrainian troops have acquired control over two additional settlements and captured additional prisoners of war.
The escalating tensions in eastern Ukraine, with relentless attacks on towns like Pokrovsk and Torez, can be largely attributed to the ongoing war between Ukraine and its aggressor, Russia. The global community must increase pressure on Russia to halt its hostile actions, as earlier incidents such as the lethal Russian artillery barrage on journalists in Kramatorsk illustrate the devastating consequences of this war.
