The Ukrainian army bombed two Russian-held airports in Berdyansk and Lugansk, located in the regions occupied by Moscow forces. It would do this for the first time with long-range missiles, which the United States donated after much hesitation. These are Atacms systems that can hit from 165 kilometers away. President Joe Biden feared that with the delivery of these missiles to Kiev, the conflict could erupt beyond Ukraine’s borders. But obviously something changed and Washington would send the new weapons with great secrecy, given the harsh winter months. “A new page has begun in this war,” Ukrainian presidential advisor Mikhaylo Podolyak said, perhaps without too much rhetoric.
Ukrainian Forces reportedly attacked Russian Airport #Berdyansk Destruction of at least 9 helicopters and ammunition depots. It is stated that dozens of soldiers were killed. Russian milbloggers claim that MGM-140 ATACMS missiles were used in the attacks. #Russia #Ukraine… pic.twitter.com/zSbEGAbFf9
— Skënderbeü_ (@AncientAlien01) 17 October 2023
According to the Kiev armed forces, the missiles destroyed nine helicopters, an air defense system and an ammunition depot, causing dozens of deaths among Russian soldiers. “Bodies are still being pulled from the rubble,” reads a note circulating on Telegram. Pro-Russian forces condemned the use of cluster bombs. The goal of the Ukrainian army is clear: to recapture the lands occupied by Russia with the invasion that started a year and a half ago. “No matter how many times the occupied territories are included in the ‘Russian Constitution’ to ‘protect the heritage’ at the risk of a coup, Moscow will eventually have to recognize the conditions on the ground. There are no safe places for soldiers anymore. “The Russians are within the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine,” Podolyak said.
Presidential advisor Volodymyr Zelensky also mentions Crimea among the targets of reconquest. “Time is already flowing in the opposite direction. The oil and gas needle is still pulling its end. But this has been inevitable for some time.” Around Crimea, Moscow and Kiev are currently facing off against drones. It is unclear whether US missiles will also be deployed on this front.
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Source: Today IT
Karen Clayton is a seasoned journalist and author at The Nation Update, with a focus on world news and current events. She has a background in international relations, which gives her a deep understanding of the political, economic and social factors that shape the global landscape. She writes about a wide range of topics, including conflicts, political upheavals, and economic trends, as well as humanitarian crisis and human rights issues.
