Recent Russian assaults on Ukraine have resulted in the deaths of nine individuals and injuries to 20 others, particularly impacting Zaporizhzhia and Kryvyi Rih. Governor reports indicated that a fire at a car repair shop in Zaporizhzhia was responsible for several casualties, including two children. Concurrently, a new governor has been appointed in Russia’s Kursk region amid local discontent. In military developments, Ukraine has unveiled a new long-range missile drone and is enhancing its defense capabilities while Russia claims additional territorial gains in the east.
Authorities have reported that nine individuals have lost their lives and 20 others have sustained injuries due to Russian assaults on Ukraine. FDP parliamentary group leader Dürr has reiterated the call for the provision of ‘Taurus’ cruise missiles. Stay updated on the latest developments.
Tragic Casualties in Ukraine Following Attacks
In a series of Russian strikes targeting the Ukrainian areas of Zaporizhzhia and Kryvyi Rih, at least nine people have been confirmed dead, with 20 others reported injured, according to local officials. The governor indicated that seven fatalities occurred in Zaporizhzhia due to an attack that sparked a fire in a car repair shop. Among the injured were two children. Footage shared by the governor from the scene depicted raging flames engulfing a devastated building and a charred vehicle. Additionally, the governor noted that some localities experienced power outages as a result of the attack.
In a separate incident, a rocket attack struck an administrative building in Kryvyi Rih, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, as reported by the governor via Telegram. Rescue operations are ongoing, with one person still unaccounted for. Alongside the fatalities, at least 16 others, including a child, were injured, and several residential structures suffered damage, according to emergency services reports.
New Leadership in Russia’s Kursk Region
In a recent shift, Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed Alexander Chinschtein, a well-known figure with Kremlin ties, as the new governor of the Kursk region, which is partially controlled by Ukraine. This decision comes as Putin emphasized the need for a ‘crisis manager’ in light of the recent discontent expressed by residents following Ukraine’s surprise offensive in the region.
Putin stressed the importance of ‘organizing efforts to support the populace’ during a meeting with Chinschtein. Acknowledging the communication issues raised by the local community, Chinschtein assured Putin that steps would be taken to ensure all residents of the Kursk region feel integrated into the nation. His predecessor, Alexei Smirnov, who took office in September, has resigned voluntarily and will transition to a new role, as stated on Telegram. Despite criticisms of Smirnov’s leadership, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied any formal complaints regarding his performance.
Missile Strike in Kryvyi Rih Claims Lives
In the city of Kryvyi Rih, situated in southeastern Ukraine, a Russian missile strike has resulted in the deaths of at least two people, with authorities reporting 13 injuries. The governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region, Serhiy Lysak, shared this information on Telegram.
Several victims required hospitalization, and a civilian administrative building was reported as the target of the strike. Ukraine has been steadfastly defending itself against the ongoing Russian invasion for over two and a half years.
OSCE Welcomes New Secretary-General
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has announced the appointment of Turkish diplomat Feridun Sinirlioglu as its new Secretary-General. This decision was reached during a foreign ministers’ meeting held in Malta, filling a vacancy that had persisted since September.
Sinirlioglu previously served as Turkey’s foreign minister in 2015 and later as the country’s permanent representative to the United Nations. The OSCE encompasses member states from Europe, North America, and Asia, including Russia, and is committed to promoting stability, peace, and democracy across its regions.
Ukraine Unveils New Long-Range Missile Drone
On the occasion of the Ukrainian armed forces’ day, Kyiv unveiled a new rocket-powered drone named ‘Peklo’ (meaning ‘Hell’). President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the significance of equipping defenders with such advanced Ukrainian-made weaponry, emphasizing the need to scale up both production and deployment. This drone boasts a range of up to 700 kilometers and is expected to operate at speeds of 700 kilometers per hour.
The Minister for Strategic Industries, Herman Smetanin, announced on Telegram that the first batch of these drones has already been delivered to the military. He mentioned that the development phase lasted one year, with ongoing enhancements in accuracy and electronic countermeasure resistance. ‘We are collectively strengthening the arsenal of the free world,’ Smetanin stated, noting that the drone could target installations deep within Russian territory, including Moscow.
In August, Zelensky had already introduced another missile drone named ‘Paljanyzja’ (‘Round Bread’) on Independence Day, which also features an extensive range and a warhead exceeding 100 kilograms. Defense Minister Rustem Umierov confirmed that this drone is now in serial production, enabling strikes on Russian airports, according to President Zelensky.
Russian Forces Claim More Territorial Gains in Eastern Ukraine
The Russian military has claimed the capture of two additional towns in eastern Ukraine. According to the Defense Ministry in Moscow, troops have advanced into Pustjinka, located roughly ten kilometers south of the strategically vital city of Pokrovsk, along with Suchi Jali near Kurachowe.
Pokrovsk holds critical importance for Ukraine, serving as a key logistics hub for the military. Additionally, the area houses a coking coal mine essential for steel production, while Kurachowe is situated close to a significant lithium deposit.
Map of Ukraine and Russia, light shaded: areas occupied by Russia
Belarus Seeks Russian Missile Systems
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has formally requested the supply of the Russian ballistic medium-range missile system Oreshnik from President Vladimir Putin, as reported by Russian news outlets.
Putin has indicated that such a delivery could be arranged. Furthermore, he mentioned that the Russian armed forces are expected to receive additional systems. Lukashenko stated that these systems could be deployed in Belarus by the end of next year, aligning with Putin’s announcement of a recent test of the Oreshnik against a Ukrainian city under combat conditions.
Russian President Putin has plans to initiate mass production of the new medium-range missile ‘Oreschnik.’
Federal Government Responds to Lavrov’s Comments