Ukraine Shoots Down Russian Missiles.
KIEV , Ukraine’s air defences have intercepted 15 out of 18 missiles launched by Russian forces in their recent attacks, according to the country’s military officials. The attack targeted various cities, including the capital, Kyiv, where all missiles directed were destroyed. No civilian casualties or infrastructure damage were reported in the capital. However, in the southern region of Kherson, at least one person died, and three others, including a child, were injured in the Russian attack. In Dnipro, seven missiles were shot down, but 25 people sought medical attention. Pavlohrad was hit twice, and an industrial enterprise, 19 apartment buildings, and 25 private buildings were damaged or destroyed.
Ukraine has received Western equipment in recent months, including the American Patriot missile systems, to strengthen its air defence system. Meanwhile, Russia’s attacks continue as Kyiv prepares for a counteroffensive to expel Russian forces from the territory they seized in the east and south after the 2022 invasion.
In another development, Russia’s Wagner mercenary group has threatened to withdraw its troops from Bakhmut due to rising casualties. The Ukrainian military spokesperson said that Kyiv still controls the vital supply route into Bakhmut, known as the “road of life,” between the ruined city and the nearby town of Chasiv Yar.
In a separate incident, four civilians were killed, and two were injured in Ukrainian shelling of a village in Russia’s Bryansk region. Russia also reported a fire at a fuel storage facility in the Crimean port of Sevastopol, caused by a drone attack.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence has said that its forces have taken control of new areas of Bakhmut, where much of the fighting is concentrated. Meanwhile, Russia has replaced its highest-ranking general in charge of logistics ahead of the expected counteroffensive by Kyiv. Mikhail Mizintsev was replaced after just seven months on the job, and no reason has been provided by Russia’s defence ministry for his replacement.