Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned citizens to prepare for new waves of Russian attacks on infrastructure as winter approaches. Zelensky issued the warning following a missile attack on the capital, Kyiv. Last winter, Russia carried out attacks on power stations, causing widespread blackouts. Lydia Patrick and Tara Cobham reported
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has issued a warning to Ukrainians to prepare for new waves of attacks on infrastructure by Russia as winter approaches. Zelensky made the statement in a video address following a missile attack on Kyiv, the capital, by Russian forces. He emphasized the need for preparedness, stating that the enemy may increase the number of drone or missile strikes on infrastructure. Zelensky’s warning comes as Russian forces intensify their offensive in the eastern theatre of the war, particularly near Bakhmut. Ukrainian troops have made some advances in the region since launching their summer counteroffensive.
Last winter, when Russia was about 10 months into its invasion of Ukraine, the country experienced waves of attacks on power stations and other energy-related facilities. These attacks led to rolling blackouts in various regions of Ukraine. The situation is concerning as it indicates that Russia may resort to similar tactics this winter.
In recent developments, two Russian state news agencies initially reported that Moscow was moving troops to more favorable positions east of the Dnipro River in Ukraine. However, the reports were quickly withdrawn, suggesting disarray within Russia’s military establishment and state media. The Russian defense ministry labeled the initial report as a provocation. Additionally, Russia’s Dnepr group of forces is reportedly being moved to more favorable positions east of the Dnipro River, according to the Russian defense ministry.
In a tragic incident, at least three Russian officers were killed in a blast in the Ukrainian city of Melitopol. Ukrainian intelligence claimed that the explosion was an act of revenge by local resistance groups. However, this claim has not been independently verified, and Russia’s defense ministry has not commented on the incident.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces reportedly made advances in western Zaporizhia Oblast. The Institute for the Study of War reported these developments as Ukrainian forces continue their counteroffensive operations in southern Ukraine.
On a different note, the husband of a US journalist detained in Russia is appealing for her immediate release. Alsu Kurmasheva, a Russian-American journalist working for Radio Free Europe, has been detained in Russia for almost a month on charges of failing to self-register as a “foreign agent.” Her husband, Pavel Butorin, expressed his desire to have her back and called for her release.
The Finnish Border Guard has reported a spike in asylum seekers arriving at Finland’s southeastern border from Russia. Since the beginning of August, 91 people have arrived at the border crossing points without proper travel documents. This represents a change in policy as Russian authorities previously did not allow travel from Russia to Finnish border crossing points without the required documents.
In a heartwarming story, two Ukrainian women have saved money from their pensions to buy drones for their country’s forces. Liudmyla Skubriieva and her relative Halyna Hil collected almost £1,000 to send two kamikaze drones to the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade “Edelweiss.” This act of patriotism highlights the determination of Ukrainians to support their troops in the ongoing conflict.
In a significant development, Germany is set to double its military aid to Ukraine next year. The German government, under Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s leadership, has agreed in principle to increase military aid to 8 billion euros ($8.5 billion). If approved by parliament, this boost would raise Germany’s defense spending to 2.1% of its gross domestic product, surpassing the NATO target of 2%. The increase in military aid is seen as a strong signal of support for Ukraine and a commitment not to abandon the country in its time of need..