On Saturday, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that forces from the “South” group had taken control of Novomikhailovka and Bogdanovka in Donetsk, advancing deep into Ukrainian defenses. This came as Ukraine’s energy infrastructure was subjected to an intense Russian missile attack that damaged four thermal plants and caused power outages. The Ukrainian Energy Minister, German Galoshenko, reported that Russian forces attacked the country’s energy facilities, causing damage in multiple regions.
In response to the escalating military actions on both sides, Ukraine launched a massive drone attack on the Krasnodar region in southern Russia. The attack hit oil refineries and a military air base, causing a fire at the Slavyansk Sur Kuban refinery and forcing it to stop operations. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Belgian Defense Minister Léodivine Didonnière are considering sending two to four F-16 fighters to Ukraine as part of new military support for Kiev following heavy losses in their failed counterattack. Additionally, the Canadian government allocated more than two million dollars to Ukraine to strengthen the drone industry on Ukrainian territory.
The situation between Russia and Ukraine remains tense, with concerns about further violence and consequences for both countries and the region as a whole. However, international support for Ukraine continues to grow as Belgium and Canada step up to provide assistance in the form of fighter jets and funding for military equipment production.
