News Trending War

Ukraine war: Dozens of Russian troops ‘die in air strike’

By 169 0

According to reports, at least 60 Russian soldiers were killed in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region when two missiles struck a training area where troops had gathered for the arrival of a senior commander, Maj-Gen Oleg Moiseyev. The incident occurred just before a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, during which Shoigu claimed Russian successes in various areas of the front line. The soldiers, members of the 36th motorised rifle brigade, were allegedly instructed by their commanders to stand in an open field, where they were hit by missiles fired from a US-made HIMARS launch system. Video footage and images from the scene showed numerous dead soldiers.

Separately, reports emerged about the death of military blogger Andrey Morozov, known as Murz, who allegedly took his own life after being pressured by the military to remove a report detailing Russian losses in recent battles. Morozov claimed that about 16,000 troops had been killed or seriously injured, and 300 armored vehicles destroyed. The exact circumstances of Morozov’s death could not be independently verified.

Russia’s military seldom reports casualties, but some pro-Russian military bloggers have regularly provided such information. Ukraine has also spoken about significant casualties among Russian troops. A collaborative effort between BBC Russian and the Mediazona website has updated figures for confirmed deaths in the Russian military over the two years since the invasion of Ukraine, with a total of 45,123 confirmed dead, including 6,614 since October of the previous year.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Ukraine war: Zelensky says fortifying front lines must be accelerated

By 144 0

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasized the urgent need to strengthen defenses along the front line following meetings with commanders in key areas of tension in the south and east. Russian forces are attempting to encircle the eastern town of Avdiivka, targeting southern regions like Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. President Zelensky, in his nightly address, highlighted the importance of accelerating the construction of structures in sectors requiring reinforcement. Despite Ukraine’s air force claiming success in downing 18 out of 25 Russian drones and one cruise missile, the situation remains challenging, especially with temperatures dropping below freezing.

Zelensky acknowledged that winter introduces a new phase of the war, and he pledged “maximum attention” to eastern towns under fire, the Donetsk region, and the defensive line in the north-east. Concerns are rising about the possibility of a “frozen” conflict despite ongoing fierce fighting. The failure of Ukraine’s counter-offensive since the summer to achieve desired gains has raised questions about frontline morale. The military reported repelling 20 attacks near Avdiivka, which is almost encircled by Russian forces. The town’s industrial hub faces threats, with Russian forces aiming to seize a nearby coke plant.

In the south-east, Russian forces are attempting to regain lost areas around Robotyne, but Ukrainian officials claim to maintain positions on the east bank of the River Dnipro. Zelensky expressed dissatisfaction with casualties and the insufficient supply of weapons. Despite facing challenges, Ukrainian forces managed to regain control of the village of Krynky after crossing the Dnipro, facing relentless Russian attacks. Russia’s defense ministry reported repelling a Ukrainian naval attack on occupied Crimea via the Black Sea, while parts of the peninsula were placed under a state of emergency due to storm-related deaths.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Russian actress killed in Ukrainian strike while performing to soldiers

By 231 0

A Russian actress, Polina Menshikh, lost her life during a Ukrainian shelling incident that targeted a dance hall in occupied Ukraine on November 19. She was reportedly performing for Russian troops at the time. The strike resulted in the deaths of approximately 20 Russian soldiers, according to Ukrainian reports. Despite this, Russian authorities have not issued any official statements on the matter.

Ms. Menshikh was delivering a performance in a local dance hall, which could accommodate around 150 people, according to local reports. A video circulating on social media purportedly captures the moment of the strike. In the footage, Ms. Menshikh is seen on stage singing and playing the guitar before an explosion occurs, plunging the hall into darkness. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries in the hospital.

The incident unfolded around 60 kilometers (37 miles) from the front line, specifically in the village of Kumachove, located in the Donetsk region. This region has been under Russian occupation since 2014, and areas like Avdiika and Bakhmut have witnessed intense fighting in recent months.

The Ukrainian army spokesperson confirmed the media reports of the strike, providing additional context to the tragic event. Meanwhile, a theatre studio in St. Petersburg associated with Ms. Menshikh announced that an upcoming performance, a play she had previously directed, would be dedicated to her memory.

In response to the incident, Russian pro-war bloggers criticized the organization of the show. They argued that concentrating a large number of soldiers in one place made it an obvious target for Ukrainian strikes, highlighting the risks associated with such gatherings in conflict zones.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Trending

Ukraine war: Russian general fired after criticising army leaders

By 209 0

Maj Gen Ivan Popov, the former commander of the 58th Army in southern Zaporizhzhia region, has voiced concerns about the high casualty rate and lack of artillery support in a leaked voice message. He stated that he felt obligated to address these problems honestly rather than remain silent. He criticized senior commanders and accused them of treason, claiming that they demanded his dismissal, which was ultimately approved by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. Russian military bloggers suggested that Gen Valery Gerasimov, the head of Russia’s armed forces, ordered Popov’s dismissal due to his alleged “alarmism and blackmailing senior management” when he advocated for the rotation of frontline soldiers who had suffered significant losses.

Popov expressed disappointment with his dismissal, stating that while the Ukrainian army failed to break through their front lines, the senior leadership betrayed their own forces by removing him. The Russian Defense Ministry has not yet commented on the situation. However, a senior official from the United Russia party criticized Andrei Gurulyov, the Russian MP who leaked the voice message, for turning it into a political spectacle. The official stated that Popov’s remarks were meant for closed chats among army commanders and troops. Despite this, the official praised Popov’s integrity and expressed pride in commanders like him.

Zaporizhzhia and the eastern Donetsk region have been the focal points of Ukraine’s counteroffensive, but they have encountered difficulties in breaching well-established Russian defensive lines. Another Russian MP mentioned that Gen Sergei Surovikin, a former commander who had not been seen in public since the Wagner mutiny, was “resting.” There is no official confirmation or comment on his current whereabouts. Additionally, reports emerged of the alleged death of Lt Gen Oleg Tsokov, although Russia’s defense ministry has not officially confirmed it. Tsokov was reportedly killed in a strike in Ukraine’s occupied south coast.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright