The Ukrainian military announced a targeted strike on a fuel storage depot in Engels, a city in Russia’s Saratov region, approximately 600 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The overnight attack ignited a blaze at the depot, which supplied a critical air base used by Russian planes to launch missiles into Ukraine. Ukraine’s General Staff stated that the strike significantly disrupted Russian strategic aviation, hampering their ability to target Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure.

Russian officials confirmed a major drone attack in the area, with Saratov Governor Roman Busargin reporting fire damage at an industrial site in Engels caused by falling debris. No injuries were reported, but authorities responded by restricting flights at airports in Saratov, Ulyanovsk, Kazan, and Nizhnekamsk. The incident reflects escalating tensions as Ukraine expands its reach into Russian territory using domestically developed long-range weapons.

Ukrainian presidential advisor Alexander Kamyshin attributed the attack to Ukraine’s indigenous arsenal, emphasizing the effectiveness of locally produced capabilities with the hashtag #MadeInUkraine. Last year, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted Kyiv’s development of weapons with a range of up to 700 kilometers, with recent strikes proving their ability to hit targets over 1,000 kilometers away. This marks a shift in Ukraine’s strategy amid restrictions on the use of Western-supplied long-range weapons.

Pic Courtesy: google/ image are subject to copyright

Ukraine has launched a surprise offensive in Russia’s Kursk region, aiming to reclaim ground after months of setbacks. Reports emerged early Sunday from Russian military bloggers, later confirmed by officials in Kyiv and Moscow. Ukrainian forces reportedly attacked multiple fronts near Sudzha, with the country’s Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak describing the situation as “good news” for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have repelled two assaults and inflicted heavy losses on Ukrainian troops, including North Korean soldiers aiding Moscow.

This escalation follows Ukraine’s initial incursion into Kursk last August, during which Kyiv seized significant territory before losing over 40% due to sustained Russian counterattacks. The latest offensive seeks to regain momentum amid concerns that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump may push for a peace deal, potentially pressuring Ukraine into unfavorable compromises. Analysts have cautioned against premature conclusions about the attack’s significance, as both sides have engaged in disinformation campaigns.

As Ukraine braces for potential changes in U.S. support, its leadership is focused on negotiating from a position of strength. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has maintained strong rhetoric, highlighting Russian losses, including North Korean troops, in the ongoing battles. Western analysts suggest that while the offensive’s outcome remains uncertain, it underscores Ukraine’s determination to challenge Moscow and resist territorial concessions.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

In a brutal escalation nearly three years into the war, Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine’s energy system and cities on Christmas Day, using over 70 missiles, including ballistic ones, and more than 100 drones. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the assault as “inhuman,” citing deliberate strikes on critical energy facilities in freezing temperatures. The attacks killed one person in the Dnipropetrovsk region, injured six in Kharkiv, and left 500,000 people in Kharkiv without heating. Ukrainian air defenses reportedly intercepted 59 missiles and 54 drones overnight and into Wednesday morning.

Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed the strikes, claiming they targeted energy facilities supporting Ukraine’s military-industrial complex. However, Ukrainian officials called for international support, with DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company, describing the incident as state-sponsored terrorism. U.S. President Joe Biden denounced the “outrageous” attack and pledged to expedite further military aid to Ukraine, while U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink decried the attack as “Russia weaponizing winter.”

Meanwhile, a missile crossed into Moldova’s airspace during the assault, drawing condemnation from Moldovan President Maia Sandu. The timing of the attack—during Ukraine’s newly adopted December 25 Christmas celebration—marks a symbolic move away from the Russian Julian calendar tradition and underscores Russia’s intensified winter campaign against Ukrainian infrastructure.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) targeting the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, Ukraine’s Air Force reported on Thursday. The missile, identified as the RS-26 Rubezh with a range of 5,800 kilometers, was reportedly non-nuclear and accompanied by a Kinzhal hypersonic missile and seven Kh-101 cruise missiles, six of which were intercepted. The attack injured two people and targeted critical infrastructure in Dnipro, underscoring the intensifying military hostilities.

This marks the first reported use of an ICBM in the over 1,000-day war. The RS-26, a nuclear-capable missile tested successfully in 2012, represents a significant show of force from Moscow. The move comes days after Russia warned of retaliation following Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike deep into Russian-held territory, signaling escalating tensions between the warring nations.

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDR) described the alleged ICBM deployment as “unprecedented.” Andrey Baklitskiy of the UNIDR noted that ICBMs, typically strategic nuclear deterrents, are rarely used in active military operations due to their high cost and precision capabilities. Russia has not officially commented on the Ukrainian Air Force’s claims.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright