Yesterday, the Russian Ministry of Defense revealed that its forces carried out 35 strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities, military equipment factories, railway infrastructure, air defenses, and ammunition stocks. This comes at a time when the Ukrainian president called for the urgent sending of anti-aircraft systems, while Belgium intends to supply Kiev with 4 F-16 fighter jets. Ukraine’s energy infrastructure was subjected to an intense Russian missile attack that damaged four thermal plants and caused power outages, according to officials in Kiev. Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galoshenko reported that Russian forces attacked the country’s energy facilities, causing damage in multiple regions.
On Saturday, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that forces from the “South” group had taken control of Novomikhailovka and Bogdanovka in Donetsk, advancing deep into Ukrainian defenses. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for increased support to shoot down Russian missiles and drones, emphasizing the need for anti-aircraft systems and weapons in sufficient quantity and quality. Private Ukrainian electricity company DTIK reported serious damage to four thermal plants due to heavy strikes, prompting the Ukrainergo General Electricity Company to disconnect its main electrical line in the west of the country as a precaution.
Ukraine launched a massive drone attack on the Krasnodar region in southern Russia, hitting oil refineries and a military air base. The attack caused a fire at the Slavyansk Sur Kuban refinery, forcing it to stop operations. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Belgian Defense Minister Léodivine Didonnière are considering sending two to four F-16 fighters to Ukraine, as part of new military support for Kiev following heavy losses in their failed counterattack. Additionally, the Canadian government allocated more than two million dollars to Ukraine to strengthen the drone industry on Ukrainian territory.
Overall, the situation between Russia and Ukraine remains tense, with escalating military actions on both sides. Ukraine continues to require international support to defend against Russian attacks, while Belgium and Canada are stepping up to provide assistance in the form of fighter jets and funding for military equipment production. The conflict shows no signs of abating, leading to concerns about further violence and consequences for both countries and the region as a whole.