Early Sunday, Russian drones targeted the Black Sea city of Mykolaiv, causing significant damage to a hotel and energy infrastructure, as reported by the local Ukrainian governor. The strike resulted in a fire at the hotel, which was later extinguished, and also damaged heat-generating infrastructure in the city. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported.
Reports from the Russian state agency RIA suggested that the strike on Mykolaiv aimed at a shipyard where naval drones are assembled, along with a hotel housing alleged 'English-speaking mercenaries' fighting for Kyiv. However, the claims made by a local pro-Moscow guerrilla coordinator could not be independently verified.
Additionally, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that 17 Ukrainian drones were downed overnight in four regions in the country's southwest. Three drones were intercepted near an oil depot in Lyudinovo, with no immediate reports of casualties or damage.
Ukrainian officials confirmed that Russian shelling on Saturday and overnight resulted in at least seven civilians being wounded across Ukraine. The Donetsk and Kharkiv regions have witnessed intense clashes in recent weeks as Russian forces attempt to make gains along the extensive front line.
Despite ammunition shortages hampering Ukraine's defenses, a Washington-based think tank suggested that Russian troops may achieve significant gains in the coming weeks while Kyiv awaits arms from a substantial U.S. aid package.
The Institute for the Study of War's operational assessment highlighted potential advancements by Moscow's forces around Avdiivka, a city captured by Russia in late February. However, the institute assessed that these efforts are unlikely to cause Kyiv's defensive lines to collapse.
U.S. President Joe Biden recently signed a $95 billion war aid measure into law, which includes assistance for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and other global regions. Biden assured that the urgently needed U.S. weaponry would promptly reach Ukraine to support its defense against Russian aggression.
For more updates on Russia's war in Ukraine, visit AP's coverage.
