Russian troops advancing in the entire Ukraine attack the cities of Dnipro, Lutsk and Ivano-Frankivsk for the first time since invasion.
While Russia and Ukraine enter the 16th day of war, Russia is still trying to cut Ukraine’s capital Kyiv from the rest of the world. The continuous efforts of Russian army has destroyed major cities of Ukraine including Mariupol, Kharkiv, and Bucha. Ukraine’s 2nd largest city Kharkiv is ruined.
Civilians are desperately trying to leave the country, but most importantly the war-struck areas. About 2.5 million people are stranded because of the attack. The estimate is supposedly higher. The others have decided to take up the arms to fight on their own for their country.
Major Developments on Day 16
Attack on Dnipro
On the 16th day of their attack, Russia has made an effort to widen its attack. The Russian military is targeting the cities that had escaped the previous attacks. The city of Dnipro was attacked for the first time yesterday.
According to the reports, the people fleeing from the war-zones were considering this city a safe haven. Until yesterday, when Russian airstrikes hit a shoe factory, an apartment block and a nursery.
Moreover, the city of Lutsk, in the west of the country was also attacked on the same day. It is reported, that Russian airstrikes hit a military airfield which killed at least 4 Ukrainian soldiers.
An airfield in the southwestern region of Ukraine, namely Ivano-Frankivsk was also hit by the Russian military.
Putin’s strategy to use foreign volunteers in order to defeat Ukraine
Russian president Vladimir Putin has permitted the interference of foreign “volunteers” to back Russian outrage in Ukraine.
Russian Defence Minister stated that there are about 16000 volunteers from Middle-east who willingly want to join the Russian cause, free of charge.
Vladimir Putin said that,
“If you see there are people who want to come voluntarily, especially free of charge, and help the people of Donbas, you need to meet them halfway and help them move to war zone.”
According to the US officials, the Syrians skilled in urban combat can join Russia-backed forces. Russia and Syria are a long-withstanding allies. Further, Vladimir Putin is a great proponent of Syrian president Bashar Al-Asad.
Advancement of Russian forces
The attack on Ukraine initiated on 24 February from North, South and East directions. Russia has attacked Ukraine from land, air, and sea. The initial target was to surround the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and cut it from the rest of the global help. Russian army is advancing from all the directions towards Kyiv.
The updated satellite images show that the Russian convoy that was approaching Kyiv, are now redeploying on its outskirts.
Further, the troops advancing towards Kyiv from east have made a significant progress in recent days. The troops are approaching closer to Sumi, which suggests that the Russian troops prepare for a siege of Kyiv, instead of a full-scale assault.
In addition, Ukraine is concerned over Belarusian invasion that may support Russian forces from the North-West region.
Sanctions imposed on Russia
Major powerful countries continue criticizing the Russian assault. There are major new sanctions imposed by world leaders.
United States plans for revoking Russia’s “most favoured nation” status along with G7 and European Union nations. EU is determined to reduce their energy dependency on Russia. Canada is banning all the imports of oil products from Russia.
Further, Canada has also hit the private wealth of Russia by putting sanctions on several billionaires of Russia including Abramovich.
Yesterday, Britain imposed sanctions on Russian lawmakers who were supporting the attack on Ukraine. The sanction intends to hit the economy and finance of the Russian Central Bank.
Including UK, nations like US, Japan, Germany, France, Italy and Canada have come together to ban Russian companies and military complexes. Most importantly, the NATO nations plan to revoke Russia from the “Most Favoured Nations” status.
United Nations convene meeting on Russia’s request
On the other hand, the United Nations Security Council convened a meeting to discuss US’s alleged military biological research in Ukraine, on Russia’s request. However, UN has dismissed Russian allegation on Ukraine.
UN said that Russia did not have any proof regarding Ukraine’s biological weapons program. Further, the west claims it a false accusation. In turn the West accused Russia of falsely justifying its assault.
UN’s refugee agency expressed concern over the rising refugee issue in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, and other European nations. People fleeing from the war struck areas have now reached a mark of 2.5 million estimate.
Published By: Manan Khurana
Edited By: Subbuthai Padma
