As the February 24 anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war approaches, fresh strikes on Ukraine in the wee hours of Thursday morning rattle the country once again.

Missiles attack Pavlohrad, Ukraine

Russia fired 36 missiles at targets in north, west, south, east, and central Ukraine. Ukrainian officials claim 16 missiles were destroyed by the Ukrainian authorities. This including eight Kalibr missiles launched from a vessel in the Black Sea. These were shot down by air defences in the south.

The missile attacks affected Pavlohrad, a Ukrainian city in the Dnipropetrovsk region. The residents of the city suffered a terrible night as the missiles attacked them while they slept. According to early reports, the casualties include a 79-year-old woman. Seven individuals ar severely injured. A 79 year old man and a 37 year old woman had to be hospitalised. Several homes were damaged and a fire broke out at an industrial enterprise.

Missiles attack Lviv, Ukraine

In the western city of Lviv, considered to be one of the safer parts of Ukraine, vital infrastructure was struck by Russian missile attacks, although no casualties have been reported.

Warnings have been issued across numerous cities of the country and air raid sirens have been activated. People have been advised to remain inside their homes.

On Wednesday, Ukraine reported that its aerial defence forces had shot down almost six balloons that were reportedly launched by Russia over the nation’s capital, Kyiv. Kyiv officials believed the balloons were launched to identify and exhaust their air defence units and may be equipped to carry out surveillance. The local government stated “most of the probes have been shot down” and that officials will thoroughly analyse the remains.

The Belarus Angle

The Belarus-Ukraine border has become a tension zone as Kyiv warns of a spring offensive amid the renewed aggression from the Kremlin.

_{Picture source: Reuters}

I am ready to fight with the Russians from the territory of Belarus in only one case: If even one soldier comes onto the territory of Belarus to kill my people
Belarus’ President Alexander Lukashenko

Belarus has been instrumental in supporting Russia’s invasion. Ukraine believes that the new offensive will be launched from Belarus. This possibility stems from Russia’s use of Belarusian territory as one of the access points for the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

However, On Thursday Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko maintained there is “zero chance” that his nation will send troops to Ukraine unless it is attacked.

Lukashenko declared that Belarusians are a peaceful people who know what war is and what it does. “We don’t want conflict” he declared.