Kiev, Oct 14, (dpa/GNA) – Ukrainian paratroopers said they repelled a major attack by Russian forces near Kurakhove, one of the major centres of fighting in eastern Ukraine.
A Russian column of approximately 25 infantry fighting vehicles and five tanks, was spotted during its approach by aerial reconnaissance, according to the paratroopers’ headquarters on Facebook.
The Russian troop buildup was then destroyed by Ukrainian artillery and kamikaze drones. It was said that seven infantry fighting vehicles and two tanks were destroyed.
These claims could not be independently verified.
Overall, around 80 Russian offensives were recorded in the eastern war front over the course of the day, the General Staff in Kiev said on Saturday evening.
The biggest hotspots were said to be Pokrovsk and Kurakhove.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Western partners earlier on Sunday to provide swift aid to help fight off Russia’s invasion following his whistle-stop visit to Germany and other European countries.
“Time must not be wasted – a clear signal of resolve must be sent,” Zelensky posted on X.
“Our partners have the ability to provide the necessary quantity and quality of air defense systems, make decisions for our sufficient long-range capabilities, and ensure the timely delivery of defensive aid to our troops,” he added.
Zelensky said the Russians had dropped around 900 glide bombs over Ukraine in the last week, in addition to attacks with 40 missiles and 400 strikes with drones of various types. He released a video of the damage caused.
Last week, Zelensky visited Rome, Paris and London, and met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin. During this European tour, he promoted his so-called “victory plan,” which has not yet been made public.
It is clear, however, that Ukraine is demanding the provision of long-range weapons from the West for strikes against military targets, deep in the Russian hinterland. Additionally, Kiev wants a concrete invitation for Ukraine to join NATO.
The country is under increasing military pressure, due to the Russian advance in eastern Ukraine. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and has since been waging a destructive war.
GNA