Moscow threatens to attack “decision centers” if Ukraine attacks its territory and annexed Crimea.
Ukraine has been the target of widespread air raids by Russia as fighting raged along the front line. Destinations also include the western city of Lviv, at the other end of the country, near the Polish border.
Kyiv and Zaporizhia were also affected. According to reports, 32 of the 35 drones were shot down. There were no serious casualties.
“We had a pretty tough night not only in Ukraine but also in Lviv,” said Andriy Sadovyi, mayor of Lviv. One of the critical infrastructures was attacked by Russian drones. There is some minor damage, windows are broken, but I think we can fix everything quickly.
Ukrainian forces continue to conduct counterattacks in several locations in Donetsk and Zaporizhia. Both sides would suffer heavy casualties.
In a show of force, Ukraine released pictures of Valerii Zaluzhnyi at the front. The supreme commander is an icon of the Ukrainian resistance. On his chest, the crest of Baby Yoda, the hero of Star Wars, caused great joy among netizens. “May the force be with him,” they commented.
Russia is also strengthening its positions. The Wagner mercenary group has launched a call for recruitment from an unlikely source: gamers. The group is looking for young people between the ages of 21 and 35 with “gaming experience” for Wagner as drone specialists, military experience is not required.
Finally, Russia has threatened to attack Ukrainian “decision centers” if bombing occurs on Russian soil or in annexed Crimea. It is unclear whether the targets will be military command centers or the center of political decisions in Kiev.