624 Day of the Russia-Ukraine War: The Ongoing Crisis
A Russian missile struck a civilian vessel in Odesa, resulting in one casualty, according to the Ukrainian military. Simultaneously, Ukraine's intelligence agencies have confirmed their involvement in a car bomb attack that killed a Russia-backed official.
624 Day of the Russia-Ukraine War
The Ukrainian military reported that a Russian missile struck a civilian vessel flying the Liberian flag as it approached the Black Sea port of Odesa. Tragically, this attack resulted in one fatality and four injuries.
According to the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, there are reports of Russia conscripting Ukrainian prisoners of war to fight on Moscow’s side. The Associated Press noted that it remains unclear whether these individuals are acting under duress. Yulia Gorbunova from Human Rights Watch expressed skepticism, stating, “While Russian authorities may assert that they are enlisting them on a voluntary basis, it’s difficult to envision a scenario where a prisoner of war’s decision could be considered genuinely voluntary, considering their coercive detention circumstances.”
Reports indicate that a fatal missile strike hit Donetsk city, targeting a Russian training center for military drone operators. While Russian occupation authorities portrayed this incident as a Ukrainian attack on civilian government offices, closer analysis identified the intended target as the “Zhoga Republican Centre for Unmanned Systems,” as reported by Newsweek and other news outlets.
Ukraine’s military intelligence agency has claimed responsibility for the assassination of a Russia-backed lawmaker in Luhansk, located in the occupied eastern region. The operation was reportedly conducted in collaboration with local resistance forces.
According to research conducted by the Russian media outlet Mediazona, there have been 76 instances of railway sabotage cases that have reached the courts since the invasion. The UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) mentioned this in its latest intelligence update. The individuals involved in these alleged acts of sabotage were primarily “anti-war activists,” most of whom were under 24 years old. The MoD noted that their actions “continue to pose a significant challenge for the Russian authorities.”
National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby informed reporters that the United States has utilized 96% of the allocated funds for Ukraine.
Slovakia’s new government, under incoming Prime Minister Robert Fico, has upheld its commitment to discontinue military aid to Ukraine in the form of previously drafted plans to donate rockets and ammunition.
The leaders of the G7 nations have reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine amidst its challenges.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that while military cooperation between Russia and China is gaining importance, the two nations do not have intentions to establish a military alliance resembling the Cold War era. He made this statement during a meeting with a high-ranking Chinese general.
The European Union’s executive branch has recommended that the bloc commence membership negotiations with Ukraine once the country fulfills its outstanding conditions. The European Commission, based in Brussels, issued this recommendation.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy has reported that Russian forces have targeted Ukrainian energy infrastructure on approximately 60 occasions in recent weeks.
Nikolai Patrushev, the Secretary of the Russian Security Council, expressed concerns that the “destructive” policies of the United States and its allies are heightening the risk of the use of nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons.
Source : Theguardian.com
