Ukraine Executed a Drone Strike Against Russia – 2023

Ukraine executed a drone strike against Russia – 2023

Friday, August 11, 2023

 

0921 GMT — Moscow’s defense officials announced the interception of a Ukrainian drone near the city’s western borders, marking another aerial incursion against the capital.

The defense ministry stated, “This afternoon, an unmanned aerial assault initiated by Kiev on a Moscow site was successfully neutralized,” confirming no injuries or damages.

Over the past week, several Ukrainian drone activities targeting Moscow have been reported.

The defense ministry further detailed, “The drone was rendered inoperative electronically and ended up in a western Moscow forest.”

 

1026 GMT — Russia claims to target a base for international mercenaries in Zaporizhzhia.

Following Ukraine’s announcement about a hotel destruction in Zaporizhzhia by Russian forces, Russia claimed to have targeted a foreign mercenaries’ temporary camp in the city.

 

Direct Engagement Between Russia and Ukraine

 

0755 GMT — Vnukovo Airport in Moscow halts flights due to a potential drone sighting.

Vnukovo airport’s airspace was shut down, interrupting all inbound and outbound flights, after reports by Russia’s RIA about a possible drone in the vicinity. The airport cited non-specific external reasons for the restrictions, adding that certain flights were rerouted to other Moscow airports for safety measures.

 

0731 GMT — Kiev experiences blasts after a countrywide air raid warning.

Multiple detonations occurred in Kiev post a nationwide air raid announcement. Mayor Vitali Klitschko advised citizens to seek shelter. City officials from Kiev reported active air defenses, and Russian missile launches targeting the region were confirmed by Ukraine’s air force. Klitschko, using Telegram, conveyed that remnants of an intercepted missile landed near a pediatric hospital, although no casualties or damages occurred.

 

 

0509 GMT — Defense measures near Kursk, Russia, intercept two Ukrainian drones.

Kursk’s vicinity saw the neutralization of two Ukrainian drones, as reported by TASS, quoting the regional governor Roman Starovoit.

 

0044 GMT — Russian troops inch closer to Kupiansk in Ukraine.

TASS indicated Russian forces nearing Kupiansk, Ukraine, with Ukrainian defense lines seemingly retreating and only a minor distance remaining. However, Ukraine rebuffed such reports, asserting they fended off all Russian advances and denied any successful sieges.

Due to the prevalent hostilities, independent verification remains challenging.

 

Thursday, August 10, 2023

1909 GMT — US Funding for Ukraine faces potential obstacles US President Joe Biden has sought Congressional approval for an extra $40 billion in spending, of which $24 billion is intended for Ukraine and related global requirements. However, this request might encounter resistance in Congress.

Some Republicans, particularly allies of ex-president Donald Trump, are looking to reduce the substantial assistance provided to Ukraine since the Russian incursion in February 2022. Trump, leading the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has vocally opposed US backing for Ukraine. A prior proposal to cut Ukraine’s funding was supported by 70 House members but was ultimately rejected. The last aid package, amounting to $48 billion, was sanctioned in December, prior to the Republican takeover of the House.

 

2013 GMT — Russian attack in Zaporizhzhia results in casualties An assault by Russia on a civilian edifice in Zaporizhzhia resulted in one death and injured 14, as per Ukrainian officials. The building was struck by a missile, causing a blaze, President Zelenskyy reported. Anatoli Kurtiev, the city’s military chief, stated the injury count increased from the initial five, and the strike affected at least four buildings. Among the injured were two minors.

 

Russian forces push in the east causes Ukrainian civilian relocation Due to heightened Russian military activity in the eastern Kharkiv area, Ukrainian officials have mandated the evacuation of almost 12,000 residents from 37 locations. Those opting to stay must acknowledge the risks involved.

The vicinity has experienced intense combat, with the city of Kupiansk previously being a focal point until Ukrainian forces recaptured most of Kharkiv in September 2022. These victories have strengthened Ukraine’s plea for more weapons from its Western allies, which were granted. However, recent counterattacks by Ukraine have been met with resistance from Russian forces, who are strategizing an advance on Kupiansk.

 

1244 GMT — Norwegian player exits Russian football team post-drone strike Following a drone attack close to his residence, Norwegian footballer Mathias Normann has terminated his contract with Dynamo Moscow and departed Russia. He was one of the few Western European players in a Russian club after the onset of the Ukraine conflict.

After the war’s commencement, FIFA allowed such players to suspend their contracts. Normann’s decision was grounded in safety concerns, prompting both clubs to contemplate legal measures.

 

1115 GMT — Drones heading for Moscow intercepted by Russia For two consecutive days, Russian defense mechanisms have intercepted drones aimed at Moscow, causing disturbances in flight schedules at two key airports.

The attack’s strategic purpose remains ambiguous, but its psychological impact on the Russian populace is evident. Ukrainian officials neither confirmed nor denied their involvement, yet remarks from an Air Force spokesperson suggested satisfaction with the disquiet caused in Moscow.

 

1050 GMT — Search continues following Russian warehouse explosion Following a major explosion at a warehouse in Sergiyev Posad, Russia, 12 individuals remain unaccounted for. The exact cause of the explosion remains uncertain, but a senior official from a fireworks company has been taken into custody on suspicion of safety protocol breaches.

 

0918 GMT — Poland retains missile defense systems near Ukraine border Poland has consented to a German proposal to keep its Patriot missile defense systems near the Ukraine border till at least the end of 2023, as confirmed by official sources.

 

0916 GMT — Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility faces power challenges The Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, under Russian control, experienced a power outage and was subsequently connected to a backup line, said Energoatom. The company warned of potential equipment failures due to the stress on the reactor.

 

0909 GMT — Poland increases military presence along Belarus border Poland’s defense chief revealed plans to station 10,000 troops along the Belarusian frontier, amidst concerns regarding Russian-affiliated mercenaries in Belarus and border-crossing attempts by migrants. Additionally, a missile component was reportedly lost near the border during military activities, but authorities assured it presented no danger.