Title: Russia Strikes at Capital Kyiv and Across Ukraine, Ukrainian Forces Push Offensive in the East
Date: June 20, 2023
In a recent escalation of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Russia launched strikes on military and infrastructure targets in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, as well as other parts of the country. Ukrainian officials reported that the attacks extended to western areas far from the front lines, indicating Russia’s capability to wage war beyond the southern and eastern regions.
According to Ukraine’s Defence Ministry, Russian forces claimed to have destroyed eight ammunition warehouses across Ukraine in the past 24 hours. Additionally, Ukrainian forces launched a counteroffensive in the east, aiming to push back President Vladimir Putin’s troops from the territories seized since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Kyiv announced that it had already recaptured 113 square kilometers (44 square miles) of land from Russian forces.
The conflict intensified as drones attacked the Kyiv region in several waves, causing damage to commercial and administrative buildings, as well as private houses. Ukrainian air defenses were activated in most regions, successfully destroying more than two dozen Iranian-made Shahed drones. However, a critically important facility in Lviv, located far from the front lines, was also struck, although no further details were provided.
In response, Russia targeted the southeastern industrial city of Zaporizhzhia with Iskander and S-300 missiles. The attacks reportedly aimed at telecommunication infrastructure, agriculture, and farming properties. Ukraine’s military reported that seven missiles were fired at Zaporizhzhia.
The Russian Defence Ministry claimed that Ukrainian forces attempted attacks in the Russian-held eastern city of Donetsk, as well as the southern Zaporizhzhia region, but were repelled. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu alleged that Russia had information about Ukraine’s plans to strike Russian-controlled Crimea with longer-range U.S. and British missiles. Shoigu warned that such an action would lead to immediate strikes on decision-making centers in Ukraine, potentially dragging the United States and Britain into the conflict.
Despite efforts by African leaders to mediate peace talks, the Kremlin expressed skepticism about the chances of negotiations with Ukraine. Kyiv’s demand for a total withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine before any peacemaking hindered the prospects of reaching a resolution. Russia referred to its actions in Ukraine as a “special military operation” aimed at countering security threats posed by Kyiv’s pursuit of integration with the West. However, Kyiv and its Western supporters argue that Russia is engaging in an unprovoked war of conquest.
While President Vladimir Putin remained open to dialogue and contacts on Ukraine, the history of Kyiv’s position made it difficult to establish stable grounds for peace negotiations, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as both sides continue to engage in military actions and diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
How has Russia’s offensive in Ukraine expanded beyond the south and east?
Article Title: Russia Strikes Kyiv and Expands Offensive in Ukraine, Ukrainian Forces Counterattack in the East
Date: June 20, 2023
Amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russia has launched a series of strikes on military and infrastructure targets in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, and other parts of the country. The attacks extend beyond the front lines, revealing Russia’s ability to wage war in regions beyond the south and east.
In the past 24 hours, Russian forces allegedly destroyed eight ammunition warehouses across Ukraine, as reported by Ukraine’s Defence Ministry. In response, Ukrainian forces have initiated a counteroffensive in the east, aiming to reclaim territories seized by President Vladimir Putin’s troops since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Already, Kyiv has announced the recapture of 113 square kilometers (44 square miles) of land from Russian forces.
The conflict escalated with drone attacks targeting the Kyiv region, resulting in damage to commercial and administrative buildings, as well as private residences. Ukrainian air defenses swiftly activated in most regions, successfully taking down over two dozen Iranian-manufactured Shahed drones. However, a critical facility in Lviv was also targeted, causing further concern.
This article highlights the alarming escalation of Russian attacks on Ukraine, posing a significant threat to the stability of the region. The international community must urgently respond to ensure the safety and sovereignty of Ukraine.