Recent developments in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia have escalated tensions as the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump approaches. Both countries have engaged in significant drone and missile strikes, each aiming to gain an advantage in the ongoing conflict.
On Monday into Tuesday, Kyiv launched what it described as its most extensive attack of the conflict, targeting deep inside Russia with drones and missiles, including US-made long-range ATACMS ballistic missiles. This move, authorized by outgoing US President Joe Biden in November, has been viewed by Moscow as a significant escalation.
In response, Russia launched its own bombardment of Ukraine, focusing on the country's energy sector. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that the attacks involved over 40 missiles and more than 70 Russian attack drones, with a significant impact on gas infrastructure and energy facilities.
The ongoing attacks have led to disruptions in Ukraine's energy supply, with the state energy company temporarily shutting off power to prevent system collapse. Russia's repeated targeting of Ukraine's energy infrastructure during winter months has forced the country to implement emergency power outages.
As tensions continue to rise, Russian advisor Nikolai Patrushev dismissed the possibility of conceding occupied territory to Ukraine and suggested that Ukraine could cease to exist as a sovereign state by 2025.
In a separate development, reports have emerged of an Australian national captured while fighting for Ukraine potentially being killed by Russian forces. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has vowed to take strong action if the reports are confirmed.
Oscar Jenkins, the Australian national captured by Russian forces, was seen in a video being questioned while dressed in a military uniform. Sources in Ukraine indicate that the 32-year-old may have been killed, prompting concerns and calls for investigation into the matter.
