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Ukraine-Russian forces launched 45 drone attacks
In a recent turn of events, tensions between Ukraine and Russia have surged as Russian forces launched a barrage of drone attacks over Ukraine for over five hours on Sunday. This comes amidst Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s ongoing reshuffle of his defense cabinet as the conflict enters its third year.
According to Ukrainian Air Force reports, as many as 45 drones, believed to be of Iranian origin, were deployed in various regions, including the outskirts of the capital city, Kyiv, targeting agricultural facilities and coastal infrastructure.
Officials from Ukraine’s southern defense forces took to Telegram, stating that the sustained assault targeted agricultural facilities and coastal infrastructure for over five hours. They reported casualties, including one individual wounded in an attack in Mykolaiv region, where fires broke out, causing damage to nearby residential buildings.
Sergei Lisak, head of the military administration in the region, revealed another casualty in Ukraine’s Nikropetrovsk region, where a person was injured due to a fire caused by debris from a downed drone.
These attacks coincide with Zelensky’s efforts to maintain pressure on Russian forces, prompting changes in military leadership. Kyiv announced on Sunday that former Deputy Defense Minister Lieutenant General Alexander Pavlyuk would assume command of Ukraine’s ground forces. This position was previously held by Colonel General Oleksandr Sirskyi, who was named as the replacement for Ukraine’s outgoing Chief of Staff General Valerii Zaluzhnyi.
Additionally, Yuriy Sodol, former head of Ukraine’s Naval Corps, has been appointed as the new commander of Ukraine’s Joint Forces, while Brigadier General Igor Skibiyuk will lead the Air Assault Forces, and Major General Igor Plakhuta will head the Regional Defense Forces.
Incoming Chief of Staff Sirskyi hinted at immediate goals, including improving military rotations and harnessing the power of new technologies, as Ukraine’s armed forces remain on high alert.
Amidst the escalating tensions, Ukraine’s military intelligence service disclosed on Sunday that Starlink terminals, known for providing high-speed communication via satellite constellations operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, were instrumental in intercepting communications aiding Russian attackers. The agency released recordings purportedly capturing conversations between two Russian soldiers.
While the use of Starlink terminals to bolster Ukraine’s defenses against encroaching Russian forces underscores the country’s determination to resist aggression, recent reports have raised concerns about Russia’s exploitation of captured territories in Ukraine to access advanced technologies.
In a statement released on Saturday via Telegram, Zelensky expressed hope for a “reboot” of Ukraine’s top military echelons with seasoned combat commanders taking charge. He emphasized the transition towards individuals well-versed in the military’s needs, ushering in a new era of responsibility within the armed forces.
As tensions continue to mount, the world watches closely, hoping for a de-escalation of hostilities and a path towards peace in the region.