Russia and Ukraine exchange cross-border attacks

2024-09-02 19:15:14, Kosova & Bota CNA

Over the weekend, Russia and Ukraine exchanged numerous cross-border attacks. Kiev said the Russian attacks wounded dozens of people in Ukraine. As Voice of America correspondent Arash Arabasadi reports, the announcement follows Moscow's claims that it had destroyed 158 Ukrainian drones overnight.

Footage published on social networks shows the moment a rocket hits Kharkiv.

Local authorities say several Russian missiles hit the Ukrainian town, injuring at least 40 people, including five children. Officials say that number could rise.

The news comes after a weekend of multiple cross-border attacks. Russia says it destroyed 158 Ukrainian drones.

But some of the drone strikes appear to have caused damage. Russian officials say drone debris caused a fire at an oil refinery near Moscow.

Damage was also reported at a power plant, one of the largest power producers in central Russia.

The developments come just days after Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin hosted his Ukrainian counterpart at the Pentagon, who assured him of continued US aid.

"The United States is unwavering in its support for a free, secure and sovereign Ukraine. Along with nearly 50 of our allies and partners, the United States will continue to provide vital capabilities necessary to counter Kremlin aggression," Mr. Austin said.

EU High Representative Josep Borrell urged allies to lift restrictions on Ukraine's use of long-range weapons to strike Russian territory.

Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry said it struck a Ukrainian weapons depot in the Sumy region.

Local authorities said the overnight attacks killed two women and injured at least 11 people, as emergency crews scrambled to put out the fire in the area. The attack was followed by changes in the Ukrainian army.

"I have decided to replace the Commander of the Air Force of Ukraine. We must strengthen ourselves, take care of our people, our personnel, all our fighters," said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The departure of the senior military official comes after news of the downing of an F-16 fighter jet amid Russian bombing. Kiev received the plane from the Western partners.

As airstrikes are a constant threat, Ukrainian women are volunteering to thwart them. The group called "The Witches of Buca" is monitoring the sky, to protect the country from attacks like those of the weekend./ VOA