Yesterday, Saturday, Russian forces continued their advance on several axes as part of their special operation in Ukraine. The Russian Defense Ministry said its forces had imposed complete control over the city of Melitopol.
It announced the destruction of 821 military facilities, including: 14 military airports, 19 command and communication centers, 24 S-300 and Osa anti-aircraft missile systems, 48 radar stations, and the downing of 7 aircraft, 7 helicopters and 9 drones.
Russian Defense Spokesman General Igor Konashenkov said that the Russian operation in Ukraine is still going on. The general stated that the forces of the Donetsk and Lugas republics, with the fire support of the Russian army, were able within 24 hours to expand their penetration areas of the enemy’s defense, and managed to capture the towns of Pakhmutovka and Grechkino. and Novomaiskoye. During their retreat, the Ukrainian nationalist battalions blew up electrical stations and bridges.
The ministry denied targeting a residential building in Kiev with a missile. She explained that the missile that hit a residential building in the capital, Kiev, was launched by the Ukrainian forces in an attempt to target Russian fighters and helicopters, but it misguided and hit a residential building.
The Ukrainian authorities spoke of explosions and an exchange of fire in Kiev, without clarifying the parties involved.
The mayor of the capital, Kiev, announced the extension of the curfew in the city, and Vitali Klitschko wrote on Twitter that the extended curfew would be applied from five in the evening until eight in the morning daily, to ensure the more effective defense of the city and the safety of its residents. He warned that anyone wandering in the lucky period would be considered an enemy or a subversive element and would be dealt with immediately.
Clashes have taken place since Saturday morning in Kiev between Ukrainian and Russian forces in order to control the capital, amid reports that the bulk of the Russian forces are now 30 kilometers from the heart of Kiev.
Interfax reported that Ukrainian forces had taken control of the Kiev Hydroelectric Power Plant. It was reported that gunfire was heard near government offices in the center of the Ukrainian capital.
Eyewitnesses reported looting in Kiev and Kharkiv, coinciding with a shortage of food, especially bread.
The Interfax news agency quoted the Ukrainian Minister of Health as saying that at least 198 people, including 3 children, were killed as a result of the Russian attack. He added that 1,115 people were injured, including 33 children.
A US defense official said that Russia is facing stronger resistance than it expected in its war against Ukraine, including its advance towards the capital, Kiev, and it appears that it has lost some momentum in the offensive.
A private American company said that satellite images taken on Friday showed a number of large deployments of ground forces and about 150 transport helicopters in southern Belarus, more than 30 km from the border with Ukraine.
(agencies)