Russia is carrying out unprecedented air strikes on Ukraine – probably in revenge for Kyiv’s ground offensive in the Kursk region. President Zelenskyj is now announcing a response.
Following the large-scale Russian air strikes against Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced retaliation. The military response is being prepared using the F-16 fighter jets supplied by the West, Zelenskyy said in his evening video message. According to information from Kyiv, Russia attacked the neighboring country with 236 rockets, cruise missiles and drones. According to authorities, at least seven people were killed and 47 others were injured. Ukraine has been defending itself against a Russian invasion since February 2022.
Zelensky did not give any details about the planned retaliation. However, he once again referred to the Ukrainian offensive in the Russian region of Kursk, which has been going on for three weeks. Ukrainian troops have expanded their control there and have again taken Russian prisoners of war, which improves the possibilities for prisoner exchanges.
Selenskyj: Kursk offensive compensates for lack of weapons clearance
The president also justified the invasion of the Kursk region by saying that the Western allies have not yet approved long-range weapons for use on Russian territory. The presence of Ukrainian troops and their efforts to eliminate the Russian threat are a way of compensating for the lack of permission.
On August 6, Ukraine invaded the Kursk region with around 10,000 soldiers. Zelensky also said that this was intended to increase pressure on Moscow to enter into negotiations for a just peace. However, after the invasion, Russia declared its willingness to talk void.
Selenskyj announces measures against corruption
In his video address, Zelensky also reported on problems in his own country in the fight against the Russian war of aggression. He said he had received reports of collaborators and criminal proceedings against Ukrainians who defended Russian aggression or even took part in the war against Kiev. The Ukrainian secret service repeatedly reports arrests and verdicts in such cases.
At a meeting with the heads of the Attorney General’s Office and the border guard, the focus was on illegal escape from the country, said Zelensky. Many Ukrainians fleeing from military service pay people smugglers to leave the country across the green border. Zelensky announced a plan to solve the problems. Corruption in conscription offices, where conscripts sometimes buy their way out of military service by paying money for a certificate of unfitness, will also be combated.
Source: Stern
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