As the Ukrainian army’s counterattack approaches, the Russian army is also stepping up its offensive, but it is unclear whether the line has been reorganized.
On the 1st (local time), CNN reported that movement on the frontlines was invigorating, with increased vehicle movement and increased artillery fire.
The defense minister said preparations were coming to an end, and President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that a counteroffensive would begin, though he did not name a D-day.
On the other hand, the Russian military is experiencing confusion, such as the sudden dismissal of Vice Minister of Defense Mikhail Mizinchev, who is in charge of logistics.
After being defeated in Kharkiv and Kherson, the Russian army has been preparing for the battle of Zaporozhye, a potential next target for the Ukrainian army, for seven months.
The Russian army dug an enormous 45-mile (approximately 72.4 km) trench in Zaporizhia, which was illegally annexed, but in the imminent battle, it showed a confused appearance, such as firing General Mizinchev, the “butcher of Mariupol” there is.
In addition, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner mercenary group leading the Battle of Bakhmut, warned that they could withdraw unless ammunition is supplied.
On the 29th, two Ukrainian drones hit an oil depot in Crimea, exploding and consuming a significant amount of oil.
Ukraine said the attack was “part of preparations for the massive offensive (counterattack) we are all waiting for.”
Meanwhile, Russia launched another missile attack on several Ukrainian cities in the morning of the 1st, knocking down many buildings and injuring at least 34 people in the eastern city of Paulorad.
Air-raid sirens sounded across the capital from 3:45 a.m., followed soon after by explosions as Russian missiles were intercepted by Ukrainian anti-aircraft systems.
A total of 18 cruise missiles were launched from the Murmansk region in Russia’s north and the Caspian Sea region in the east, of which 15 were shot down midway, said General Valery Zaluzny, commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s commander-in-chief.
In addition, the administrative chief of the Kiiu municipal government said that all missiles launched towards the capital were shot down along with drones. He added that further clarification would be forthcoming, without further commenting on specifics.
On the 28th, three days ago, the Russian military launched an attack by flying over 20 cruise missiles and two explosive drones to several cities in Ukraine, which was the first large-scale missile offensive in almost two months.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.