Over the past week, a secret delivery of American weapons and a cross-river attack have injected much-needed energy into Ukraine’s largely stalled counteroffensive.
In the east, Ukrainians claim to have inflicted massive losses on Russian forces trying to encircle a city in battle.
Meanwhile, in the capital Kiev, Ukrainian parliamentarians seek to eliminate Russian influence from the Church.
Here’s what you need to know.
Surprise arrival of the US Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS)
A secret US delivery of long-range ATACMS missiles struck airfields in occupied Berdiansk on the Sea of Azov coast and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine on Tuesday, destroying Russian helicopters and an ammunition depot.
A video published by the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, showed the powerful missiles firing, with a caption thanking Ukrainian soldiers “for their service” and partners “for their support”.
At a time when US funding for Ukraine remains uncertain, the arrival of ATACMS was a welcome boost, both on the battlefield and for public morale.
VIDEO – Analysis: War in Ukraine enters a crucial moment
Ukraine has been asking for the missile system for months. It is not yet clear when the weapons were delivered or when the decision was made to provide them.
With a range of around 160 kilometers, the powerful missiles could disrupt Russian deployment, with most analysts predicting that Moscow will be forced to station air supplies further away, limiting operational capability.
For Ukrainians, the move was seen as a strong message of support from the US. “Ukrainians are very encouraged by the delivery of ATACMS, and our warriors are putting them to good use on the battlefield,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) after a call with the president from the USA, Joe Biden.
Battles in the east
Fierce fighting has been raging in Avdiivka in the Donetsk region, with Russia continuing to surround the city, and Ukraine claims to have dealt massive blows to Russian military personnel and equipment.
Russian forces have launched waves of attacks repelled by Ukrainian troops who are heavily entrenched in the region.
According to the Ukrainian military, more Russian troops and tanks were destroyed in a single day – on Thursday – than on any other day since the start of the war.
Images show the destruction of the war between Russia and Ukraine
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
