President Zelensky on Saturday decorated intelligence officers who participated in the destruction of a Russian ship. A senior Ukrainian officer says that in two years Ukraine has halved Russia’s Black Sea fleet.
While the conflict in Ukraine continues to get bogged down, almost two years after the start of the Russian invasion, on February 24, 2022, the Ukrainian president celebrated a symbolic victory on Saturday.
Volodymyr Zelensky presented state awards to intelligence officers who participated in the recent destruction of the Russian missile corvette “Ivanovets”. The ship was reportedly sunk overnight from Wednesday to Thursday by a coordinated attack by naval drones.
On Saturday, Ukrainian Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk claimed that Kyiv had already halved the Russian Black Sea Fleet: according to him, the fleet numbered about 80 ships and vessels at the beginning of 2022; and since then, 25 have been sunk and 15 seriously damaged.
These claimed destructions come as Ukraine struggles to obtain equipment to fight against regular massive attacks by Russian drones.
According to the Washington Post, Ukraine intends to increase drone production “FPV” (Firs-Person View) – up to 1 million units by the end of the year. Journalists explain that Kyiv wants drones to complement the artillery systems and shells that it sorely lacks, especially in the current situation where the resumption of **American aid is threatened.**It is emphasized that production of drones could be easily organized in small makeshift factories, in complete safety and with the greatest secrecy.
28 dead Lyssychansk?
On the Russian side, officials in Moscow said Saturday that recent Ukrainian bombings may have killed at least 28 people in a city bakery from Lysychansk, occupied by Russia.
At least one child was among the dead, local leader Leonid Pasechnik wrote in a statement on Telegram. Ten other people were rescued from the rubble by emergency services, he said.
Kyiv has not commented on these statements.
Ukraine and Russia increasingly rely on longer range attacks while their positions on the 1,500 kilometer front line have barely changeddespite the Ukrainian counter-offensive.
The military administration of Ukraine’s Sumy region said on Sunday that Russian forces shelled the region in 16 separate attacks the day before, firing on the border communities of Yunakivka, Bilopillia, Krasnopillia, Velyka Pysarivka and Esman.