President Joe Biden’s recent endorsement allowing Ukraine to launch strikes into Russian territory using American-provided long-range missiles might just be a pivotal moment for Kyiv, according to Andriy Sybiga, Ukraine’s foreign minister.
Mr. Sybiga expressed, “This could indeed change the game. The more Ukraine can reach out and hit, the quicker this war will come to an end,” during a press briefing that took place just ahead of a UN Security Council meeting commemorating 1,000 days since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
He further asserted that Ukraine holds the “full right to target military sites within Russia.” With his words, he hinted at the merit of this strategy, saying, “It may produce a highly favorable effect on our tactical positioning in the conflict.”
In a swift rebuttal, Russia accused President Biden of merely “stoking the flames” of tension by endorsing Ukraine’s military ambitions. Accusations were exchanged in a tense atmosphere that underscored the existing discord.
Echoing these sentiments, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, stated that “it’s crucial for all parties involved to prioritize the safety and protection of civilians, no matter where they are.” Speaking on behalf of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, she reflected on the grim occasion of “1,000 days marked by widespread death, destruction, and despair for countless Ukrainians.”
Ms. DiCarlo condemned the increasing civilian toll, particularly noting a recent wave of attacks that included a staggering 120 missiles and 90 drones. These assaults wreaked havoc on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
She cautioned, “The systematic targeting of Ukraine’s energy resources could make the approaching winter the toughest yet since the conflict began.” A stark warning indeed, as winter promises to be a formidable adversary alongside ongoing military tensions.
On the ground, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky took a step into the battlefield by visiting troops at the eastern frontline in the town of Pokrovsk, part of the heavily contested Donetsk region.
He shared a video showcasing his time with soldiers courageously defending the town against Russian forces, just a stone’s throw away at about 8 kilometers. In a spirited post on X, he remarked, “It’s a tense situation here. Only through the grit and valor of our (Ukrainian) soldiers has the enemy not entirely seized the east. They face consequences every single day.”
A grim backdrop played out as reports emerged of a Russian missile strike hitting a residential block in the northeastern city of Sumy, resulting in the unfortunate deaths of 11 individuals, including two children. In yet another attack, the region’s administrative center was left in the dark, further complicating already dire conditions.
According to Ukraine’s state emergency service, no less than 89 individuals, among them those young lives, suffered injuries due to the missile strike that occurred late yesterday as an unsettling echo of ongoing hostilities.
Zelensky, reflecting on his visit, said, “I had the honor of meeting the courageous 25th Separate Airborne Sicheslav Brigade, who are on the front lines defending our homeland. I conferred awards upon some of these defenders.”
He acknowledged, “This area is fraught with tension, yet it’s the mettle of our warriors that keeps the enemy at bay.”
As Sumy endured another round of aerial onslaught, it was described as a “hellish Sunday evening” by Volodymyr Artyukh, the head of the Sumy military administration. The tragic aftermath left communities in shock as a missile struck crucial infrastructure, plunging them into darkness.
The Ukrainian air force reported that the nighttime barrage included the deployment of two Iskander-M ballistic missiles and a Kh-59 guided missile. Emergency responders sprang into action, working tirelessly to handle the fallout, while psychological support was offered to those traumatized by the chaos, as said by the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.
They reported evacuating over 400 residents and posted harrowing images of the destruction on Telegram, showcasing firefighters battling persistent flames and rescuers carrying victims from the debris. One photo captured a multi-story building, ravaged, with nearly all its windows shattered.
Sources from the Sumy regional prosecutor’s office indicated that the missile strike wreaked destruction on 90 apartments, along with damage to 28 vehicles, two educational institutions, and 13 additional buildings.
Throughout the conflict, both parties assert they are taking care to avoid civilian casualties in their respective operations. Regardless, the consequences of Russia’s extensive invasion since early 2022 have proven devastating, with thousands of lives lost, predominantly among the Ukrainian population.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
