Several news outlets have reported that Russia has launched missiles at towns and cities in Ukraine, causing damage to buildings. According to the BBC, the attacks were carried out by Russian troops, who are targeting energy infrastructure in southern Ukraine. The Associated Press reports that Ukraine has issued an international appeal for help to fight back, while the Defense Ministry of Belarus has announced that it will conduct snap military drills across the country.
Russian missile strikes hit cities across Ukraine
Several Ukrainian cities were struck by Russian missile strikes on Tuesday. Officials said these attacks were the heaviest in Ukraine’s war. In the capital Kyiv, dozens of missiles were fired in just a few hours.
In addition to the capital, several other areas were hit including Kharkiv, Lviv, Odesa and Rivne. One building in Kyiv was destroyed and two others were damaged. It is unclear how many civilians were killed or injured in these attacks.
The Ukrainian government said Russian missiles launched from Russian territory, the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. The country’s air defense system shot down five of the incoming drones. But the number of incoming missiles was more than 100.
Russian troops target energy infrastructure in southern Ukraine
During the Ukrainian conflict, Russian troops have targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. These facilities generate electricity, heat, and water. They are often located in remote areas, and they are not equipped to be retooled for military use. This makes it difficult to repair the damage as quickly as possible.
The attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure was carried out by Russian forces, and it caused significant damage. It affected the domestic water supply in Kyiv. It also cut off internet access and heating. The government of the Dnipropetrovsk region reported a large fire in the city after the attack.
Russia has launched more than 60 missile strikes on critical Ukrainian civilian targets, according to the Ukrainian military. These strikes hit a number of regions in the east and southeast.
EU member states agree to provide a $19 billion aid package for Ukraine in 2023
During the bleak winter, over one billion dollars was pledged to Ukraine by 46 countries, 24 international organizations, and private donors. The European Union has been helping to cover Ukraine’s short-term funding needs since the start of the war.
However, runaway inflation makes it hard to fund the war effort. The EU has offered emergency humanitarian aid, provided military support, and provided macro-financial assistance operations. The Commission has also proposed measures to facilitate trade with Ukraine.
After months of wrangling, the European Union has finally come to an agreement on a comprehensive set of actions to help Ukraine. This includes an unprecedented support package of EUR18 billion. The funds will be made available in the form of highly concessional loans to be disbursed in regular instalments over the next decade.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukraine support conference in Paris
Despite months of Russian attacks, the French president has never wavered in his support for Ukraine. His visit to Kyiv was long planned and he has shown the world that Europe is standing up to Russia. During his first visit, France and Ukraine discussed a variety of issues, including defence cooperation and the reconstruction of Ukrainian cities.
He backed a 10-point peace plan, which he said was designed to counter Russian aggression and provide security guarantees at the end of the war. He also reiterated his call for peace talks with Russia and said he would talk to Putin about securing nuclear plants in Ukraine. He has spoken about his willingness to discuss the issue with the Kremlin, but some European leaders have voiced concerns about his continued dialogue with the Russian president.
Belarusian Defense Ministry announces snap military drills across the country
Despite Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s claims that his country would not be involved in a war with Russia, the country has been conducting military drills that have sparked fears of a new invasion. Last month, Russia announced that it had deployed thousands of troops to Belarus.
The Belarusian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday that its armed forces have begun combat readiness drills. The exercises will be a comprehensive test of combat readiness. They will be held in several parts of the country, including the capital Minsk, Brest and the eastern provinces. The exercises will focus on training for retaking control of the border regions.
Russia’s autocrat is weakened, but his grip on power is greater than many people realize
Whether or not you’re a fan of Vladimir Putin’s authoritarian regime, he is certainly a strong man. His grip on power is much greater than many people realise, and he is also facing a major stumbling block in Ukraine. Despite his best efforts, Putin’s missteps have dealt a blow to authoritarians around the world.
In the recent State Duma election, United Russia won with less than 50% of the vote. The result was so bad that it was considered one of the worst legislative elections in Russian history. It was accompanied by an influx of repression and fraud.
As Frye explains, Putin’s approach to Ukraine is not new. The Kremlin relied on disproportionality to win elections in previous legislative sessions, but this isn’t a Russian invention. Instead, it’s an outcome of the weak institutions that are at the heart of the Kremlin’s rule.
