The Ukrainian military reported on Tuesday that they successfully used their air defenses to shoot down 18 drones launched by Russia overnight. In addition, Ukrainian naval drones also attacked and hit a Russian military patrol ship near the Crimean Peninsula.

The Ukrainian military’s intelligence team confirmed that the Russian vessel, known as the Sergey Kotov, was struck by Ukrainian drones in the vicinity of the Kerch Strait. The strike resulted in damage to the ship’s aft, right, and left sides.

The most recent assault carried out by Ukraine has been aimed at Russia’s naval forces in the Black Sea.

According to the Ukrainian air force, Russia deployed 22 aerial drones during the night, and 18 were intercepted above Odesa.

According to Odesa regional governor Oleh Kiper, there were no injuries.

On Telegram, Kiper reported that various structures were harmed by Russian assaults, such as a recreation center and a residence.

In his recent evening speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian authorities are aware of Russia’s forthcoming strategy and that Ukraine will take measures to counter it.

He shared about a sequence of discussions with high-ranking military and intelligence leaders.

Ukraine’s Defense Minister, Rustem Umerov, had a phone conversation on Monday with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to discuss the current situation on the ground.

The statement from the Pentagon stated that Austin once again expressed the continuous backing of the United States and other allied nations who have provided aid to Ukraine’s military.

Austin and Umerov both concurred that there is an urgent necessity for the U.S. Congress to authorize additional security assistance for Ukraine.

‘Ukraine is definitely Russia’

According to Dmitry Medvedev, a member of Russia’s Security Council and a supporter of President Vladimir Putin, Ukraine is a part of Russia. He also stated that parts of Russia with historical significance should be reunited.

At a youth forum in Sochi, Medvedev stated that a previous leader of Ukraine once claimed that Ukraine is separate from Russia. Medvedev disagrees with this idea and believes that it should be eradicated forever. He firmly believes that Ukraine is part of Russia.

Medvedev, who was Russia’s president from 2008-2012, praised the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union and said Moscow would continue its “special military operation” until the Ukrainian leadership capitulated.

Kyiv did not provide a immediate response.

According to the Reuters news agency, Medvedev’s views hold significance in the Kremlin and may provide insight into Russia’s ambitious military objectives in Ukraine.

Ukrainian leaders have continuously stated that Medvedev and other high-ranking Russian officials are engaging in an unlawful military campaign and assert that Ukraine and its citizens are separate from Russia and the Russian people.

Medvedev rejected the idea of holding peace negotiations with the current leaders of Ukraine, stating that any future Ukrainian administration seeking dialogue must acknowledge what he refers to as the changed circumstances.

Medvedev remarked that the current relationship between Russia and the United States is even more strained than it was during the Cuban missile crisis in 1962, where both nations nearly engaged in a nuclear war.

“I have one harsh truth to share,” he stated. “The current state of affairs is far worse than that of 1962. This is a full-blown conflict against Russia, utilizing American weapons and involving American special forces and advisors. That is the reality.”

Pledges totaling $17.4 billion that have not been fulfilled.

In Poland in 2022, during the early stages of the Russian invasion, Ukraine stated that it has not received $17.4 billion that was pledged during two donor conferences.

During a press conference, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that Poland and the European Commission jointly raised $10.8 billion and $6.5 billion in funding for two events scheduled for 2022.

“Where did they disappear to? What kind of assistance did they provide … Ukraine has not received any aid,” he stated.

In April of 2022, Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission’s leader, declared that a worldwide fundraising gathering in Warsaw had amassed nearly $11 billion for Ukrainian refugees.

According to AFP, the Polish government reported that a separate event held the following month in the capital of Poland raised $6.8 billion with the support of the European Union.

Kyiv has made an announcement concerning their urgent requirement for military and monetary aid, as their ongoing war with Russia enters its third year.

The report includes data from Reuters, The Associated Press, and Agence France-Presse.

Source: voanews.com