Explosions were reported in Sevastopol, Crimea, as Ukrainian forces conducted a joint intelligence operation in the region that was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014. Ukrainian troops claim to have recaptured the village of Klishchiivka near Bakhmut after heavy fighting. This comes after the recent recapture of Andriivka, another village in the region. Ukrainian forces are said to be gaining ground in the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky referred to the conflict as “World War I with drones,” emphasizing the scale of the war that spans a 700-mile front. Zelensky explained that 20% of Ukraine is still occupied by Russia, with donated tanks being stopped by Russian defenses. The conflict has now turned into an intense artillery duel, with each side firing around 40,000 shells daily.
In related news, NATO chief warned of a “long war” as tensions continue to rise. Ukrainian and Russian attacks have left four people dead, and Ukraine remains a priority on the agenda for talks between the United States and China. US House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy is scheduled to meet President Zelensky this week, ahead of Zelensky’s meeting with President Joe Biden.
The recapture of the key village of Klishchiivka near Bakhmut is seen as a significant turning point for Ukraine, as it provides a springboard for further offensive actions against Russian forces. Meanwhile, UK paper and packaging company Mondi has agreed to sell its largest Russian plant for a substantial amount, signaling its departure from Russia. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is set to meet President Zelensky in New York, demonstrating international support for Ukraine.
Poland has proposed new sanctions against Russia, including a ban on Russian diamonds and Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG). The proposal also calls for aligning sanctions against Belarus with those against Moscow. Poland argues that Alrosa, a Russian diamond company, has supported Russian military forces in Ukraine and should face individual sanctions. Additionally, Poland suggests banning the provision of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services to entities from Russia and stopping the purchase of Russian LPG. These measures aim to increase pressure on Russia and protect the integrity and transparency of certain markets.
Sources:
– Source 1: [Title of Source Article without URL]
– Source 2: [Title of Source Article without URL]
– Source 3: [Title of Source Article without URL]
– Source 4: [Title of Source Article without URL]
– Source 5: [Title of Source Article without URL]