Russias Distant Gas Facilities Targeted by Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict

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Russia and Ukraine resumed hostilities after a three-day ceasefire expired on Tuesday. According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine launched an attack on gas facilities in southwest Russia’s Orenburg region, approximately 1,500km from the Ukrainian border. The attack was reportedly a retaliation for overnight attacks by Russia on Ukraine.

Governor Evgeny Solntsev stated that nine Ukrainian drones were intercepted over the region, with fragments of the downed drones causing damage to a residential building, a nearby school, and a kindergarten. No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.

Earlier, Moscow launched a series of overnight attacks on Dnipropetrovsk, resulting in six fatalities. The three-day ceasefire, brokered by US President Donald Trump, had come to an end coinciding with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations.

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Kyiv offered to extend the ceasefire, but Moscow declined. Zelenskyy reported that Ukraine was attacked by more than 200 drones, which damaged energy facilities, apartment buildings, a kindergarten, and a civilian train. Interceptions of drones were also reported across six regions.

On Tuesday, Russia tested its new nuclear-capable intercontinental missile, with President Vladimir Putin describing it as the “most powerful” nuclear missile in the world. The missile is capable of traveling over 35,000 kilometers and has the ability to penetrate existing and future anti-missile defense systems.

Analysts have previously expressed skepticism about Putin’s claims regarding Russia’s military capabilities. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that progress made in talks with the US and Ukraine would soon bring an end to the conflict, although specifics were not provided.

US President Donald Trump also commented on the situation, stating that the war in Ukraine was nearing its end. European Union’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas disagreed, saying Putin’s comments indicated weakness and an opportunity for ending the war.

Source: Al Jazeera