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The Ukrainian military claims it attacked a shipyard in Crimea, which is currently under Russian control.
Europe Ukraine

The Ukrainian military claims it attacked a shipyard in Crimea, which is currently under Russian control.


On Saturday, Ukraine reported that its military targeted a shipyard in the city of Kerch, located in the Russian-controlled Crimea region.

On November 4th, the Ukrainian Armed Forces carried out successful attacks on the marine and port facilities of the ‘Zalyv’ factory in the city of Kerch, which is currently under occupation. The Department for Strategic Communications of the Armed Forces of Ukraine announced this in a post on Telegram, but did not provide any additional information.

The governor selected by Russia for the occupied Crimean Peninsula reported that air defense missiles were launched in Kerch on Saturday evening. Fragments were reported to have landed at a shipyard, but no additional details were given.

The validity of the reports could not be confirmed by a separate source.

Kerch is situated on the western side of the bridge connecting the Krasnodar region to the Russian mainland. This bridge, which is vital for transporting food and military resources, has been targeted by two major attacks.

At least 14 people were injured in attacks by Russian forces.

In the past day, officials reported that Russian assaults in Ukraine resulted in injuries to at least 14 innocent civilians. This occurred while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Kyiv to hold discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

On Saturday, Der Leyen visited days before the European Union’s announcement on Ukraine’s progress in meeting the requirements for starting negotiations to join the organization.

“I have to acknowledge your remarkable progress. It’s truly impressive,” von der Leyen commented following the meeting with Zelenskyy. “We must always remember that you are engaged in a crucial battle while also implementing significant reforms in your country.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, left, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attend a press conference in Kyiv, Ukraine, Nov. 4, 2023.


On November 4, 2023, in Kyiv, Ukraine, a press conference was held with the attendance of Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine.

In February 2022, Ukraine submitted an application to join the EU shortly after Russia’s invasion of their country.

The process of becoming a member typically spans over a number of years, but Ukraine views membership as crucial in light of its conflict with Russia and aims to join at the earliest opportunity.

On Wednesday, the EU will reveal its decision on whether or not Ukraine can start negotiations to join the group, which would commence in December.

Zelenskyy denies stalemate

At a media briefing alongside von der Leyen, Zelenskyy refuted the claim that the conflict had reached a standstill and stressed that Ukraine requires increased support from its allies in bolstering its air defense capabilities.

His comments came days after Ukraine’s commander-in-chief, General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, said in an article that the conflict was moving toward a new stage of static and attritional fighting, which could allow Moscow to rebuild its military power.

Zelenskyy admitted that even after 21 months of war, Ukraine has not made any significant progress in its counteroffensive. However, he stated that Ukrainian soldiers have no option but to continue fighting.

Soldiers of Ukraine's National Guard 1st brigade Bureviy (Hurricane) practice during combat training at a military training ground in Ukraine, Nov. 3, 2023.


On November 3, 2023, members of the 1st brigade Bureviy (Hurricane) from Ukraine’s National Guard conducted combat training at a military training facility.

Zaluzhnyi, speaking to The Economist, stated that we have reached a technological plateau similar to that of the First World War. He believes that there will be no significant advancements or breakthroughs.

The city of Moscow also denied that portrayal of the conflict.

According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, Russia is consistently executing a specific military mission and intends to achieve all predetermined objectives.

On Friday, Ukraine rejected Russia’s statement that their recent attack on the town of Avdiivka in Donbas was a triumph. They declared that the intense fighting was due to Russia’s failure against the sturdy Ukrainian defenses.

According to NBC, an unnamed high-ranking U.S. official and a former U.S. official have communicated with Ukrainian government representatives regarding potential peace talks with Russia to bring an end to the ongoing war.

According to NBC, the discussions involved general ideas of what Ukraine may have to sacrifice in order to come to an agreement with Russia.

Reuters was unable to confirm those discussions through independent means.

On Saturday, when questioned about the NBC report, Zelenskyy reiterated that now is not the appropriate time to engage in negotiations with Russia. He also refuted claims that he was being pressured by Western leaders to do so.

My demeanor is well-known and aligned with that of Ukrainian society. During our joint press conference in Kyiv, I stated that I am not being pressured by any EU or US leaders to negotiate.

He stated that it is unlikely for us to negotiate with Russia and provide them with concessions.

During his daily speech on Friday, Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude towards the United States for imposing “strong and effective sanctions” on over 220 Russian organizations involved in aggressive actions.

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

Source: voanews.com