Ukrainian military operations have surged in recent days, striking deeper into Russian territory to destroy critical infrastructure and redoubling the devastation wrought by this war. Ukrainian drones attacking Moscow, western Russia, and the annexed area of Crimea have featured in recent accounts. One such attack killed a civilian deep near the Russian capital.
On Wednesday, the regional administration in Russia said there was extensive damage to port infrastructure in Tuapse. Additionally, they announced the damage to a natural gas pipeline during one of the Ukrainian drone attacks in their Black Sea port. Luckily, there were no serious injuries as a result of this incident. Based on the earlier segments of this offensive, the Ukrainian military’s strategy seems to focus on disrupting Russian operations and disrupting supply lines through the region.
Ukrainian forces haven’t confined their operations to the Russian-occupied south. They have carried out strikes on Russian Black Sea ports, specifically hitting Pivdennyi and Chornomorsk. According to news reports, two civilian cargo vessels were struck as they neared these ports to pick up wheat.
Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba acknowledged that drone strikes hit oil storage facilities during the developing clash. Yet, despite their grievous depredation at the hands of war, both ports remain active to this day. Once again, these exciting developments demonstrate the lasting fragility in the region and the commitment of Ukraine to take the fight to Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to today’s allegations about the assault on President Putin’s residence at Valdai. He stated, “Regarding the attack on [Putin’s residence at] Valdai, our negotiating team connected with the American team, they went through the details, and we understand that it’s fake.”
The drone warfare has sharply escalated with both sides increasingly using these technologies to assert a tactical upper hand. Ukrainian officials have announced an important meeting in the works. Running all day next Tuesday, January 6, with heads of state and government from Kyiv’s allied countries in France. This in-person convening is designed for us to talk about next steps, tactical and/or strategic actions in response to this continued violence and hostility.
Everything is changing quickly. Ukraine and Russia are both hell-bent on pursuing their military strategies. The international community must not only pay close attention as tensions rise and the humanitarian implications of this conflict expand, but take immediate action on many fronts.