**Putin’s Ruthless Assault: Russian Missiles and Drones Pound Ukraine**
Russia has launched a relentless attack on Ukraine’s infrastructure, unleashing more than 50 missiles and 20 drones in a devastating overnight offensive. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced the aggression, saying it targeted infrastructure in seven regions. His grim assessment reflects the growing toll of Russia’s relentless campaign against Ukraine.
The energy sector has been a primary target, with power plants and transmission facilities coming under attack in Vinnytsia, Lviv, and Zaporizhzhia. “The enemy wants to deprive us of the opportunity to produce and transmit electricity,” lamented Ukraine’s Energy Minister German Galushchenko. “They want us to plunge into darkness.” Pressing appeals for conservation have gone out to civilians.
Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, was not spared from the deadly barrage. The city faced air attacks from Kh-101/Kh-555/Kh-55 cruise missiles. Air raid warnings persisted for hours, and despite an effective anti-air defense system, falling debris from intercepted projectiles injured civilians and damaged residential buildings.
**Kyiv Targeted in Russian Air Attack**
Kyiv’s military swiftly reported the Russian assault, describing it as a coordinated effort of drones and cruise missiles. Intercepted drones and missiles scattered debris across the city, resulting in injuries and property damage. “No hits to residential or critical infrastructure objects were recorded,” stated Ruslan Kravchenko, the head of Kyiv’s regional military administration. However, he acknowledged partial power outages in one village due to damage to power lines.
**Belarus Inspects Non-Strategic Nuclear Weapons**
In a parallel development, Belarus announced a “surprise inspection” of its non-strategic nuclear weapons. The order, issued by Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin, emphasizes the ongoing tension and nuclear concerns in the region. Non-strategic nuclear weapons, or tactical nuclear weapons, are designed for localized use in battlefields.
**Ukraine Alleges Russian Assassination Plot Against Zelenskyy**
Ukraine’s Security Service, the SBU, has raised alarm bells about an alleged plot by Russian agents to assassinate President Zelenskyy and other top officials. Colonel staff of Zelenskyy’s own security department have been implicated in the plan, according to the SBU. The sinister plot involved recruiting military insiders close to the presidential guard to kidnap and eliminate key figures.
Putin Inaugurated: Calls for Dialogue, Warning Against Western Isolation
Despite the ongoing military campaign, Russian President Vladimir Putin has been formally inaugurated for a fifth presidential term, which will extend his rule to 2030. In his inaugural address, Putin struck a conciliatory tone, expressing Russia’s desire for dialogue with the West. However, he emphasized that talks must be conducted on “equal terms” and that Western allies must “make their choice.”
Putin stressed the need for a resilient state system capable of mitigating threats and challenges. The resignation of Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin’s government is expected to follow the inauguration. Analysts speculate that a cabinet reshuffle is likely, with Mishustin potentially retaining his position. Putin’s first foreign trip after inauguration is expected to be to China later this month.
