Russia said it repelled a Ukrainian attack on the Belgorod border region. Several Ukrainian drones were shot down by Russian air defense near Kursk, a city near the border with Ukraine, the governor of the region announced early Friday morning. A new wave of drones also hit kyiv early on Friday, with no casualties, according to its mayor, Vitali Klitschko.
"Many difficulties" prevent Russia and Ukraine from starting peace talks, the Chinese envoy to Ukraine said on Friday, returning to Beijing after a tour of Europe. "All parties support a political settlement" of the conflict, assured Li Hui, whose tour notably took him to kyiv and Moscow. "Different parties are currently facing many difficulties to sit down (at the same table) and engage in discussions," he told reporters, without further details.
The war waged in Ukraine by Russian President Vladimir Putin is a "strategic failure" for Russia, said Friday, the head of the American diplomacy Antony Blinken from Helsinki (Iceland). "(Putin's) war of aggression was a strategic failure, drastically diminishing Russia's military, economic and diplomatic might and influence for years to come," he said.
Antony Blinken further opined that strengthening the country invaded by Russia is a "prerequisite" for a "true peace", rather than an unfavorable ceasefire. As calls for negotiation emerge, the US Secretary of State has challenged the idea of a ceasefire on current frontline positions, which would only "consolidate" Russian President Vladimir Putin's control and allow him to "attack again".
Two civilians were killed and two wounded in a Ukrainian bombardment on the Russian region of Belgorod, bordering Ukraine, said on Friday the governor of this territory subjected to repeated strikes in recent days. “Shrapper hit passing automobiles. In one of them, two women […] died on the spot of their wounds,” Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Telegram, adding that the shots had hit a road in a village near the town of Chebekino, bordering Russia. 'Ukraine.
kyiv targeted by drones
Ukraine claimed on Friday to have intercepted "all" Russian missiles and drones that targeted Kiev overnight, injuring at least two people, the sixth attack in as many days on the capital. "All 15 (Russian) cruise missiles and 21 attack drones were destroyed by air defense," the Ukrainian Air Force said on social media Telegram. "Explosions in Kiev, new wave of drones during a nationwide air alert from 3:23 a.m. to 4:23 a.m. local time, no casualties have been reported at this stage," Vitali Klitschko announced on Telegram.
Ukrainian drone attack repelled
Several Ukrainian drones were shot down by Russian air defense near Kursk, a city near the border with Ukraine, the governor of the region announced early Friday morning. "Tonight several Ukrainian drones were shot down by an air defense system near Kursk," Roman Starovoyt said on Telegram. "We ask the people of Kursk to remain calm, the city is under the reliable protection of our army," the governor added.
The Russian military claimed to have bombed and "hit" overnight air defense systems in Ukraine, targeted by a new missile and drone attack that did not cause any casualties according to Kiev.
"Overnight, Russian Aerospace Forces conducted a combined strike, with high-precision, long-range weaponry from the air, on enemy air defense systems covering key military infrastructure," the Russian Ministry of Defense said. the Defence, claiming to have hit "all" the targets.
Consult our file: War in Ukraine
