Ukraine Says Its ‘Biggest Blow’ Yet to Come; Russia Steps Up Attacks

KYIV: Ukraine’s capital Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities of Lviv and Zaporizhia were the targets of intensified Russian attacks which took place overnight from east to west from Monday to Tuesday, according to authorities.

The attacks took place at a time when Ukraine has launched a major counteroffensive and reports suggest that it has made some inroads in reclaiming some of the territory lost to Russian troops.

Ukraine's capital was attacked in waves from multiple directions by explosive drones, the city's military administration wrote on Telegram, adding that the air raid alert had been active for more than three hours.

In the city of Lviv in Ukraine’s western part, "critical infrastructure" was reportedly hit by drones, according to Maksym Kozytskyi, the head of the regional administration.

At the same time, authorities in Zaporizhia also said that the city had been the subject of a "massive attack" which was aimed at civilian targets, including residential areas in the suburbs.

It was later claimed by the Ukrainian General Staff that the country's air defences had shot down 28 out of 30 drones overnight launched by Russian forces.

However, there were no immediate reports of any casualties.

Meanwhile, Ukraine said that the ‘biggest' counteroffensive blow awaits Russia.

Deputy Defence Minister of Ukraine Hanna Maliar said Kyiv's military is yet to deliver the biggest blow yet in its counteroffensive, but had to admit that the operation is difficult, with Russia mounting a stiff resistance.

Maliar wrote on Telegram, "The ongoing operation has several objectives, and the military is fulfilling these tasks. They are moving as they should have been moving. And the biggest blow is yet to come."

Ukraine began the first stage of its counteroffensive two weeks ago, after months of acquiring Western weaponry, training and preparations, to reclaim nearly one-fifth of the land now being occupied by Russia.

Maliar said that the enemy would not give up their positions easily, and they must prepare themselves for a tough duel. "In fact, that is what is happening right now," he said.

The Ukrainian military had maintained strict silence about the campaign till now but on Monday, it has claimed a number of small victories, saying that it had liberated several small settlements.

Late last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the Ukrainian counteroffensive has not been able to record any meaningful success.

It was said by some officials and few Russian military bloggers that Kyiv has made some small gains at the expense of losing huge troops and equipment, a claim which has not been verified.

Also Read: PM Modi Leaves for the US on Historic State Visit

Also Watch: