In a significant military move, Ukraine carried out a drone attack targeting multiple Russian arms depots, causing extensive destruction including arms from North Korea, according to Ukraine’s General Staff. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the United States to expedite the delivery of more weapons ahead of his upcoming visit to the White House with a detailed “victory plan.”
Reports indicated that over 100 Ukrainian drones were launched at Russia and the occupied Crimean Peninsula overnight, resulting in fires at arms depots. The strikes ignited arms depots near areas previously hit by Ukrainian drones earlier in the week, causing injuries and significant damage. More arms and ammunition depots were targeted in Russia’s Krasnodar region.
Zelenskyy is set to present the “victory plan” to U.S. President Joe Biden during his visit, which includes requests for long-range strike capabilities and other weaponry essential for Ukraine’s defense and negotiation leverage against Russia. The specifics of the plan have not been fully disclosed, with Zelenskyy mentioning it contains terms viable for discussions with Russia.
While highlighting concerns about potential escalation, especially from Moscow, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of Western partners allowing Ukraine to use advanced weapons to counter Russian forces effectively. The delay in providing long-range missiles would render them less tactically valuable over time, Zelenskyy stated.
Apart from engaging with Biden and other U.S. officials, Zelenskyy plans to address the U.N. General Assembly in New York and conduct talks in Washington to garner support for Ukraine in the ongoing conflict. The strategy aims to shift the focus from survival to victory for Ukraine, potentially nudging European allies to provide more assistance.
Notably, a recent drone strike by Ukraine reportedly destroyed around 2,000 tons of weaponry in Russian depots, including missiles believed to have been supplied by North Korea. The attacks caused significant explosions and fires in areas like Toropets and Tikhoretsk, triggering evacuations and emergency measures by Russian authorities.
Tragically, civilian casualties were reported in Ukraine, including a 12-year-old boy and others, as a result of Russian missile strikes in cities like Kryvyi Rih and Kharkiv. Additionally, Russian drone and artillery attacks wounded several civilians in regions across Ukraine, highlighting the ongoing toll of the conflict.
The intensifying conflict underscores the urgent need for international action and support for Ukraine as it confronts Russian aggression and seeks to defend its sovereignty and people amidst the escalating violence.
