Moscow/Kyiv: Russia targeted the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv, and other cities for the third successive day. Ukraine reported that Russia used 40 drones in the attacks, which began on Sunday night. The attack has extensively damaged infrastructure in Kyiv and other cities, and a ‘blackout’ has been re-imposed in some areas. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces, making counterattacks on Russia, launched a massive rocket attack in the Donetsk region. Ukraine has claimed that 400 Russian soldiers were killed in the attack on the city of Makiivka.  

In December, Putin visited Belarus to inspect Russia’s military deployment. Putin held successive meetings with Russia’s intelligence agencies, armed forces and arms manufacturing companies. Putin also visited a Russian military contingent. After that, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the public on the occasion of the New Year. Putin indicated at the event that the Russian Army was fighting for the protection of the motherland and that the conflict would continue in the future. Ukraine and Western countries claimed that Russia was preparing for a new attack, given the recent meetings of the Russian president and other related events.  

The three consecutive days of missile and drone attacks signal that Russia has intensified its Ukraine offensive and made it more comprehensive. On Monday, Russian forces launched drone strikes on the capital Kyiv and nearby areas. Iranian-made Shahed suicide drones were used in the attacks. Ukraine said that 40 drones were used to launch the attack. During the attack, the power supply system in Kyiv was destroyed, and blackouts were applied in many areas. Efforts to repair power supply and related systems with the help of the West are claimed to have been hampered by the fresh attacks.  

As Russia escalates its attacks, Ukraine has also launched strong counterattacks. Ukrainian army fired rockets in the Makiivka area of the Donetsk region. A Russian military building was targeted in the attack, and Ukraine has claimed over 400 soldiers were killed in it. However, the Russian Ministry of Defense rejected the claim. It said that six “HIMARS” rockets were fired at Makiivka, killing 63 Russian soldiers. The Ministry also said at this time that the attack took place after midnight on Sunday. It is the second major attack by Ukraine in the Donetsk region in the past month. In December, Ukraine launched massive rocket attacks on the city of Donetsk.  

Meanwhile, Russia informed that it thwarted a drone attack by Ukraine in the city of Voronezh in southern Russia. Russian air defence systems shot down a Ukrainian drone on Sunday night, according to Russian sources. 

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