In a recent development, Mariupol, Ukraine, witnessed an explosion involving a vehicle believed to be carrying a Russian officer from a Caucasian unit. This shocking incident was reported by an advisor to the mayor of Mariupol via Telegram. According to the advisor, the Russian officer is currently in the hospital. The advisor also mentioned that the attack was executed amidst Ukrainian military strikes on Mariupol, allowing the resistance group to operate under the radar of local law enforcement and intelligence services.
Simultaneously, Ukraine reported the downing of 30 out of 31 Russian drones that were launched towards the country on Saturday night. These unmanned aerial vehicles were intercepted across eleven regions throughout the country, as stated by the Ukrainian military on Telegram. It is noteworthy that these drones were recognized as Iranian Shahed drones.
As winter grips Ukraine, Avdiivka is under mounting pressure, with signs indicating an imminent Russian offensive. The Ukrainians are facing formidable challenges, not only from enemy soldiers but also from the harsh winter climate. Furthermore, the region of Kherson has been under heavy fire since yesterday, with Russian troops launching 83 attacks, resulting in four injured civilians.
The Ukrainian General Staff recently estimated that Russia has lost over 930 soldiers in the past 24 hours, with additional equipment also destroyed during this period. This significant loss of troops is a major blow to Russia's war efforts in Ukraine.
Russia has been actively employing disinformation tactics through platforms like TikTok. Thousands of fake accounts on TikTok have been identified, spreading false information about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These disinformation campaigns aim to weaken support for the Western nations backing Ukraine, as highlighted by BBC investigations.
Journalist Evan Gershkovich, who is in prison in Russia for espionage charges, was visited by the American ambassador last Friday. The 32-year-old journalist denies these allegations. In addition, rumors have circulated concerning the disappearance of Alexei Gorinov, a former Russian local politician who was previously serving an imprisonment sentence for criticizing the Russian offensive in Ukraine.
There have been several reports of drone attacks and explosions shaking Kiev. Ukrainian authorities are urging citizens to remain in air raid shelters due to the escalating drone threats from Russia. The French President, Emmanuel Macron, expressed concerns over Russia's behavior during the ongoing EU summit, particularly regarding the humanitarian aid for Ukraine.
