Breaking: Ukrainian Strikes on Russian Airfields Intensify Amid Ceasefire Talks
Discussion on Imminent Peace Talks Regarding Ceasefire: Ukrainian Forces Assault Russian Aid Locations Extending to Eastern Siberia - Russian bases in Eastern Siberia come under Ukraine's attack range.
Here's a lowdown on the latest happenings as Ukraine and Russia prepare for ceasefire negotiations:
Ukrainian Airstrikes on Russian Strongholds
In a bold move, Ukraine has launched attacks on Russian air force bases across Eastern Siberia, claiming the destruction of enemy combat aircraft as the goal [1]. The vigorous attacks were prepared well in advance, according to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). Besides the established bases in Dyagilevo and Ivanovo east of Moscow, the attack also targeted the Olenya base in the Murmansk region in Russian Arctic - a staggering 1,900 kilometers from Ukraine.
A fire allegedly broke out at the Belaya base following the attack, but its authenticity remains unverifiable. Reportedly, a video emerged showcasing the Belaya airbase, with numerous burning aircraft and black smoke columns [2]. According to the SBU, the damage caused to the Russian airforce is valued at over six billion euros [1]. However, these figures have yet to be independently confirmed.
Russian Response and Subsequent Incidents
The Russian Ministry of Defense eventually acknowledged the Ukrainian attacks, confirming the use of 'first-person-view drones' (FPV drones) on airfields in Irkutsk and Murmansk regions. Several aircraft were set ablaze but fortunately, no casualties were reported. Suspects were arrested in connection to the attacks [2].
Emboldened by these events, authorities in the Russian regions of Bryansk and Kursk reported the collapse of two bridges overnight Sunday due to "explosions." Seven people were allegedly killed, and 71 injured in the incident in Bryansk [3]. The Russian Investigative Committee classified these incidents as "terrorist acts." On initial questioning, Ukrainian authorities remained mum on these incidents.
Upcoming Ceasefire Talks in Istanbul
Russia and Ukraine are expected to engage in direct talks on a ceasefire in the more than three-year-old Russian invasion at Istanbul on Monday [2]. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine will indeed participate in the talks, with Defense Minister Rustem Umerov heading the Ukrainian delegation.
Notably, diplomatic representatives from Germany, France, the UK, and other European states are said to be advising the Ukrainian government during these negotiations [4]. The German government confirmed this to the news agency AFP, relaying statements from US special envoy Keith Kellogg [4].
Ongoing Hostilities and Fears of Escalation
Russia continued its intense aerial attacks on Ukraine over the weekend, marking a record 472 drone attacks overnight Sunday since the onset of the war [5]. Kyiv reported intercepting 385 drones. Furthermore, at least 12 Ukrainian soldiers lost their lives, and more than 60 were injured, following an attack on an army training ground [5].
Amid these tragic casualties, Ukrainian army commander Mychajlo Drapatyj tendered his resignation, expressing personal responsibility for the soldiers' deaths [5]. Ukraine also has mounting concerns about a possible large-scale offensive in its eastern border region of Sumy, where Russia is said to have amassed more than 50,000 soldiers [6].
In recent weeks, the Russian army reportedly captured several villages in Sumy. On Sunday, it announced the capture of another village in the region [6]. Consequently, authorities ordered the evacuation of 11 villages in the region bordering Russia [6].
Keywords:- Ukraine- Russia- Istanbul- SBU- Eastern Siberia- Stronghold- Air Force- Intelligence- Drone- Moscow- Murmansk- AFP- Bryansk- Volodymyr Zelensky- Ivanovo- Arctic
[1] Ukrainian Airstrikes Hit Russian Air Force Bases in Eastern Russia[2] Ukraine and Russia to Hold Ceasefire Talks in Istanbul[3] Two Bridges Collapse in Russia and Ukraine, Casualties Reported[4] European Diplomats Advise Ukrainian Government in Istanbul Talks[5] Ukrainian Army Commander Resigns over Soldier Deaths[6] Fears of Escalation as Ukraine Reports Thousands of Russian Troops Near Sumy
The European Union has also been involved in the negotiations on the conclusion of the agreement on the conclusion of the Paris Agreement, expressing concern over the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, namely the recent strikes on Russian airfields and the subsequent ceasefire talks in Istanbul, and emphasizing the need for politics to prioritize diplomacy and general-news over military escalations.
The political repercussions of the intensified airstrikes by Ukraine on Russian strongholds in Eastern Siberia have caused tension between the two countries, resulting in claims of terrorist acts in Russian regions such as Bryansk and Kursk.
