Kyiv is under drone attack again, with Russian forces claiming to have intercepted 34 Ukrainian drones. Ukraine’s air force reported shooting down 50 out of 73 Russian drones. President Zelensky warned of Putin’s intentions to regain territories in the Kursk region by January 20. France, alongside the U.S. and U.K., is allowing Ukraine to use long-range weapons for self-defense. Ongoing developments indicate a persistent threat from Russia, with potential involvement from North Korean soldiers.
Kyiv Under Drone Attack Once More
The capital of Ukraine, Kyiv, has once again found itself under attack from drones. In response, Russian forces claim to have successfully intercepted 34 Ukrainian drones during the overnight hours. Stay updated with the latest developments in this ongoing conflict.
Ukraine’s Air Defense Response
Ukraine’s air force reported that it faced an onslaught of 73 Russian drones overnight, managing to shoot down 50 of them. Currently, four drones remain airborne, while another 19 have gone off the radar.
On the Russian side, the Ministry of Defense has stated that their air defense systems successfully intercepted 34 Ukrainian drones, with 27 of these being taken down over the Kursk region, which is adjacent to Ukraine.
Zelensky’s Warning on Kursk Region
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has raised alarms over Russian ambitions in the Kursk region, asserting that President Vladimir Putin is determined to reclaim territories occupied by Ukraine by January 20. This date aligns with the inauguration of the future U.S. President Donald Trump. Zelensky emphasized at the International Conference on Food Security in Kyiv that Putin’s primary goal is to demonstrate control over a situation that is slipping from his grasp.
In a surprising twist earlier this year, Ukrainian forces managed to seize parts of the Kursk region, initially controlling about 1,400 square kilometers. However, this area has since diminished to 800 square kilometers, with Ukrainian estimates indicating a staggering loss of 25,000 Russian soldiers. These figures remain unverified by independent sources.
International Support for Ukraine’s Defense
France has recently joined the U.S. and the U.K. in permitting Ukraine to utilize long-range weaponry against Russian targets. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot noted that these long-range weapons supplied to Kyiv can be used “in the logic of self-defense.” While it remains unclear if such actions have been executed, Barrot reaffirmed France’s established stance on the matter.
This week, reports emerged of Ukraine deploying long-range ATACMS missiles, made in the U.S., and British “Storm Shadow” cruise missiles against military installations in Russia. France has been supplying Ukraine with these “Storm Shadow” missiles since July 2023, known in France as “Scalp.”
Kyiv’s Ongoing Defense Against Drone Threats
Authorities have confirmed that Kyiv was once again targeted by drone attacks during the night. Sergei Popko, the head of the city’s military administration, shared on Telegram that approximately a dozen drones were shot down. Eyewitness accounts and local media also reported explosions, likely related to air defense efforts.
In the Kursk region, Russian officials reported an aerial assault from Ukraine, claiming the destruction of two missiles and 27 drones. Governor Alexei Smirnov shared this information via Telegram, although he did not provide further specifics.
Continued Threats and Developments
As the conflict unfolds, Defense Minister Pistorius has warned of the persistent threat posed to Europe due to Russia’s war economy. Furthermore, the Pentagon has indicated that North Korean soldiers could potentially join the fighting soon.
For ongoing updates, keep an eye on our live blog for the latest insights into this evolving situation.
This report was last updated on November 24, 2024, at 09:30 AM.