Here is the situation on Thursday, December 28, 2023, 673 Day
In a nighttime air raid in the southern Odesa region, two individuals lost their lives, and four others sustained injuries due to the deployment of numerous attack drones by Russian forces over Ukraine.
The Ukraine air force successfully intercepted 32 out of the 46 Iranian-made drones launched by Russia. However, the remaining drones primarily targeted the front line, causing significant impact in the southern Kherson region. Oleksandr Prokudin, the Regional Governor, reported that the assault on the Kherson region and its capital affected residential areas, a shopping mall, and the power grid. As a result, approximately 70 percent of households in Kherson city were left without electricity.
The Institute for the Study of War has indicated that Russia’s reported capture of Maryinka in eastern Ukraine this week may not serve as a significant launching point for major battlefield advancements. Nevertheless, the institute pointed out that localized Russian offensive operations continue to exert pressure on Ukrainian forces across various points along the eastern Ukraine front.
In response to alleged executions by Russian forces, Ukraine has initiated a war crimes investigation. The incident involves the reported execution of three Ukrainian prisoners of war near the village of Robotyne in the southeastern Zaporizhia region earlier this month, as stated by the general prosecutor’s office.
Russia has strongly criticized the sanctions imposed by the United States on the Arctic LNG 2 project, deeming them “unacceptable” and warning that such measures could jeopardize global energy security. These sanctions are part of a broader effort to curtail Moscow’s financial resources supporting its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In a separate development, Russia has brought charges against six Danes, categorizing them as “foreign mercenaries” for their involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war on Ukraine’s side. The Russian embassy in Denmark issued a statement, indicating that if found guilty, the six individuals could face up to 15 years in prison. The embassy further noted that 20 Danes had been identified as mercenaries, with some reported casualties among them.
The United States has announced a $250 million military aid package for Ukraine, which officials suggest might be the last unless a $61 billion funding bill, currently delayed by Republicans in Congress, is approved. The comprehensive aid includes air defense munitions, additional ammunition for high-mobility artillery rocket systems, artillery ammunition, anti-armour munitions, and over 15 million rounds of ammunition.
During a briefing, Oleksandr Kamyshin, Ukraine’s Minister of Strategic Industries, outlined plans for a significant increase in the production of weapons and military equipment in the coming year. He highlighted that the output for 2023 is three times higher than the previous year, with Ukraine now manufacturing six Bohdana self-propelled artillery units monthly. Notably, Bohdana is the sole Ukrainian-made self-propelled gun utilizing NATO-standard 155mm rounds, distinct from the 152mm rounds used in artillery based on Soviet technology.
Russia has issued a warning to Japan, cautioning that its intention to supply Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine could result in “grave consequences” for Russia-Japan relations.
Meanwhile, Sergei Chemezov, the head of the Rostec state defense company, has announced Russia’s plan to deploy its latest howitzers against Ukrainian forces. Chemezov informed the RIA news agency that testing of the new Coalition-SV self-propelled artillery units has been successfully completed, and mass production is currently underway.
Source : Al Jazeera
