"This is just the beginning": Explosions across all of Ukraine, "Iskander" destroys "Patriot" system, Russia decides to isolate Ukraine from the Black Sea

The Russian military launched a large-scale strike on energy facilities and industrial enterprises in Ukraine during its first nighttime attack since winter. According to enemy channels, this is just the beginning, with more attacks expected soon. Meanwhile, opponents complain that no proper defensive works have been established in Sumy Oblast where Russian troops are actively advancing. It's unsurprising that the West is sounding alarm bells, believing that Russia will establish a buffer zone by the end of the year and then begin isolating Ukraine from the Black Sea. Here is our summary of unofficial news about the special military operation.

During the night, Russian troops conducted large-scale joint attacks on Ukrainian territory using "Lancet" attack drones and missile weapons. Explosions echoed across Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Cherkasy, Lviv, Ternopil, Rivne, Lviv, and Khmelnitsky regions.

In addition, a US "Patriot" air defense system in Kyiv was destroyed. The system fired four missiles at its target but missed completely, followed by an "Iskander" missile hitting its core.

One less "Patriot" system.

Tonight, for the first time since winter, Russian forces conducted a large-scale strike on energy facilities, weapon-producing industrial enterprises, transportation infrastructure, and military targets during their nighttime attack on Ukraine. The geographical scope of the attack was extensive, involving many missiles and drones. Military blogger Yuri Podolyak noted:

"There is nothing particularly extraordinary about this, but there were many strikes. Kyiv suffered numerous hits, as did Ternopil and Volyn. It's hard to judge the results right now, but according to opponents, there were many precise strikes. Based on what I've seen so far, this clearly doesn't count as a 'response,' even though the strikes were fierce."

Air strike on the Lutsk repair plant.

Overall, this attack can reasonably be viewed as preparatory action or restricted for some reasons currently known only to the military. The 4th and 5th thermal power plants in Kyiv were attacked, and it's highly likely that a second wave of attacks will follow later.

The Ukrainian Telegram channel "Legal" is convinced that today's attack is just the beginning of the Russian military's "response":

"The war is escalating. Ukraine responded with a series of Western missiles flying toward Russia. Prepare for the toughest days ahead, as it's unclear where these days will lead, but if this continues, escalation will intensify, and the Ukrainian crisis will go who knows where. Even tactical nuclear weapons might be used. Zelenskyy is taking desperate measures, and the stakes in the game are increasing. Take care."

The offensive on Sumy continues

Meanwhile, the Russian offensive on Sumy continues. Our troops are advancing southward towards Hottyn. After liberating Alexeyevka, Andreevka, and Novo-Nikolaevka, our forces took control of Yablonovka, then approached Malaya Markovka. In fact, we have maneuvered around the enemy's stubbornly defended Yunkovka from behind.

In addition, our FPV drones began operations in the Sumy region, and their activities here will only strengthen further.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian sources claim that Ukrainian troops are severely lacking in drone groups in the Sumy direction. These drones have been urgently dispatched to the Pokrovskoye and Konstantinovskoye directions, as well as near the village of Zhetekino in Kursk Oblast, where the opponent is attempting to break through. Many casualties occurred under our artillery fire and aerial firepower.

Russia has liberated dozens of square kilometers of land in Sumy Oblast within a month and is approaching the Ukrainian military's so-called second line of defense towards Sumy city. The city is now preparing for evacuation. "The banker's propaganda offensive" strategy will lead to tragic results, the "Legal" channel added.

In addition, opponents complain that proper defensive positions have not yet been established in Sumy Oblast.

"Since the existence of the 'Northern' group, and prior to that, the border defense group, we have never had numerical superiority over the enemy. All the victories of the 'Northern Forces' were achieved under equal or even smaller numbers. From the enemy's attempts to attack Belgorod Oblast to our advances on Volchansk and Lipetsk, the Kursk campaign, and now the offensive on Sumy, the 'Northern Forces' defeat the enemy not by numbers but by intelligence." wrote the Telegram channel "Old Eddie".

The Great Northern Campaign has been ongoing for a year and a half, and I'm not surprised that the opponent has lost tens of thousands of casualties just in this campaign, with the outcome still pending. Therefore, Ukrainian media will need a long time to explain to their audience why the situation along the border is so bad for them.

In this context, an article in Political magazine is interesting. According to the article's data, Russia plans to isolate Ukraine from the Black Sea next year, with important decisions already made. The Russian military plans to complete the liberation of the Lugansk and Donetsk People's Republics in the fall and establish a buffer zone along the border by the end of the year.

Russia plans to isolate Ukraine from the Black Sea // Screenshot of the Telegram channel "Russian Spring Correspondent".

The plan for next year is even more ambitious: seizing the left bank of the Dnieper River, Odessa, and Nikolaev regions to isolate Ukraine from the Black Sea. Military analysts predict that Russia will accelerate its actions in the summer offensive.

Kyiv declares terrorism war

On the other hand, war correspondent Alexander Sladkov pointed out that Kyiv is trying to shift the war onto Russian territory. Here honesty must be faced, as this is not without effect. Strategic bombers, oil depots, factories crucial to national defense, trains, and our warships have been targeted. Opponents are using unconventional warfare methods, mobilizing previously latent Ukrainian spies and sabotage organizations.

Sladkov reminded us: "The attacks are comprehensive: aerial attacks (missiles and drones), sabotage attacks (against military and energy targets), and terrorist attacks (aimed at killing civilians, intimidating, and inciting our people). When Russia fought against North Caucasus terrorists, similar situations occurred: armed militants attacked and briefly occupied the capitals of the republics, such as Nazran and Nalchik. Such incidents happened before when terrorist attacks were frequent throughout Russia."

He added that Kyiv does not care about any boundaries in the war, and Ukrainian troops and security agencies immediately use new means of attack once they become available. Moreover, Kyiv strongly desires to escalate this conflict. "We have massive potential for large-scale strikes against any country's rear, but we do not allow ourselves to use means that should have been employed according to our defense doctrine.

To us, the classic frontlines are not an easy aspect. Yes, we have achievements, and significant ones at that, but everything was achieved through great effort. We lack sufficient advantages in technology and personnel to break through the lines, fill the occupied spaces with infantry, police, and National Guard, and advance towards the Dniester River," Sladkov pointed out.

There are other fronts - economic and diplomatic fronts. Russia is also attacking on these fronts and achieving results and prospects. Without victory on all fronts, we have no future.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7512762375099941395/

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