In the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Ukrainian troops have made a significant move by crossing the Dnipro River, a key battleground in the war. This daring operation has been carried out primarily at night, with the aim of reinforcing troops in the occupied south. The Ukrainian forces have managed to establish three toeholds on the eastern bank of the river, effectively cutting off a road Russia uses to supply troops in the area.
However, the operation has not been without its challenges. The Ukrainian soldiers have been under heavy fire, with Russian drones constantly circling over their hastily dug trenches. The situation has been described as 'hell fire', with reports suggesting that the average life expectancy of a Ukrainian soldier on the eastern bank of the Dnipro is around two days.
In response to the Russian threat, NATO has announced plans to modernise its surveillance jets. This move is seen as a strategic response to the escalating conflict. Meanwhile, Pope Francis has called for prayers for peace in Ukraine and other war-torn regions. Despite the Vatican's attempts to mediate in the Russian-Ukrainian and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts, these efforts have so far been unsuccessful.
In a related development, Ukrainian MP Oleksandr Dubinsky has been arrested on accusations of collusion with Russia and spreading 'fake' information about Ukraine's political and military leadership. On the international front, Hungary has called for a review of the European Union's policy towards Ukraine, a stance that has put it at odds with Germany, Lithuania, Finland, and Ireland.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also raised concerns about Russia stockpiling missiles to attack Ukraine's energy system. This claim, if true, could escalate the conflict further and have severe implications for Ukraine's infrastructure and civilian population.