Russia Escalates Attacks on Kyiv, Ukraine
Escalation in Kyiv
Russia escalated its attacks on Kyiv early Wednesday, launching waves of drones and missiles in its first combined aerial assault on the capital in more than 70 days, authorities said. The broadside came as Washington and Seoul echoed warnings from Ukraine that North Korean troops had begun "engaging in combat operations" alongside Russian forces on the border between the warring countries.
Ukraine’s Response
Ukraine’s air force said its units had downed four missiles and 37 drones launched by Russia over eight regions of Ukraine overnight and into Wednesday morning. President Volodymyr Zelensky said, "It is important that our forces have the means to defend the country from Russian terror." Ukraine has been appealing to its Western allies to provide more air-defence systems to fend off Russian attacks on cities and critical infrastructure.
Explosions in Kyiv
Explosions were heard over Kyiv, and dozens of residents sought shelter in an underground metro station in the centre of the capital. Kyiv officials said one man was wounded by falling debris from a downed drone in the suburb of Brovary, while emergency services distributed images of firefighters battling flames at one impact site. A separate drone attack in the Ukrainian-controlled southern region of Kherson killed a 52-year-old woman.
North Korean Troops
Washington and Seoul echoed warnings from Ukraine that North Korean troops had begun "engaging in combat operations" alongside Russian forces on the border between the warring countries. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned about the deployment of North Korean troops alongside Russian forces fighting on the Ukrainian border. South Korea’s spy agency said North Korean soldiers were "engaging in combat" in Kursk.
Crimea Assassination
A security source in Kyiv told AFP that Ukraine was behind the assassination of a high-ranking Russian naval officer in a car bombing on the annexed Crimean peninsula. The killing of Valery Trankovsky, which was confirmed by Moscow, is the latest in a string of targeted attacks on Russian military officers and pro-Kremlin public figures in occupied Ukrainian territory and within Russia.
Conclusion
The escalation in attacks on Kyiv highlights the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The involvement of North Korean troops alongside Russian forces raises concerns about the regional implications of the conflict. Ukraine’s appeals for air-defence systems from Western allies have been ongoing for months, and the need for increased support has become more pressing.
FAQs
Q: What is the current situation on the ground in Ukraine?
A: Russian forces are advancing in the east, and concerns are growing over future aid for Ukraine after US Donald Trump’s victory in presidential elections.
Q: What is the status of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine?
A: The conflict has been ongoing since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with both sides exchanging attacks and allegations of civilian casualties.
Q: What is the role of North Korean troops in the conflict?
A: North Korean troops have been reported to be fighting alongside Russian forces on the Ukrainian border, raising concerns about the regional implications of the conflict.