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On the morning of October 17, the Russians launched rocket attacks on several regions of Ukraine and attacked Kyiv with Iranian drones. Such actions of the occupiers have several purposes. One of them is the creation of a new nuclear threat.
The presenter of Channel 24 shared his thoughts on this topicAlexey Pechiy. Read more about the causes of massive shelling, sanctions against Iran for participating in the war against Ukraine, and new tensions between Russia and NATO.
Russia is once again terrorizing Ukraine with attacks by Iranian kamikaze drones and missiles, trying to destroy energy infrastructure. Such attacks, according to the civilized world, are nothing but the Kremlin's desperation, because the Russians have no achievements on the battlefield.
At the same time, it is also Putin's attempt to show the disgruntled chauvinists in Russia that he is still capable of maintaining control over the so-called “special operation.” However, Iran also faces consequences for its assistance to the Russians.
At the same time, nuclear rhetoric is on the rise. Today, NATO launched exercises on strategic nuclear deterrence, which will be held over the North Sea. In parallel, Russia also plans to conduct nuclear exercises in the Barents Sea. Each side is trying to measure nuclear forces. Let's talk about the latest news related to the course of Russia's war against Ukraine.
A new method of nuclear blackmail: what is hidden behind the massive Russian attacks< /h2>
This morning in Ukraine began with massive attacks by Russians with Iranian drones and missiles, again targeting critical infrastructure. In the capital, during a morning attack by Iranian kamikaze drones, the Russians hit a residential building in one of the central districts of Kyiv. 5 arrivals are known. 19 people were rescued from the rubble of the destroyed house. However, unfortunately, it is already known about 4 dead, including a pregnant woman. In total, the enemy launched 28 Iranian kamikaze drones in the direction of Kyiv, 23 of which our defenders managed to shoot down.
In the Dnepropetrovsk region in the morning, the enemy attacked an energy infrastructure facility at least twice, a fire broke out there, so the authorities are urging residents to save electricity. In particular, residents are asked to conserve electricity during active consumption hours – from 8:00 to 11:00 and from 17:00 to 23:00.
In the Vinnitsa region, unfortunately, enemy missiles hit energy facilities.
According to the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal, the Russians attacked the energy infrastructure of Ukraine in three regions in the morning, hundreds of settlements were de-energized as a result of the attack. Shmygal again appealed to the Ukrainians so that everyone saves electricity so as not to increase the load on the power grid.
Due to Russian terrorist attacks, the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant was again disconnected from the network and it switched to emergency operation on diesel generators. Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Galushchenko called it outright nuclear blackmail and once again said that Ukraine still needs to close the sky at least over energy facilities, as Russian troops continue to strike critical infrastructure.
By the way, Energoatom said that the current attacks on energy facilities are a new way of nuclear blackmailing Russia. After analyzing the attacks, power engineers came to the conclusion that the Russians were hitting high-voltage substations that transmit electricity from nuclear power plants. Accordingly, as a result of accidents, nuclear power plants are automatically switched off and go into emergency operation mode. However, such constant shutdowns can eventually lead to disaster.
It is important to add here that the occupiers were preparing for such attacks and such a method of nuclear blackmail, because according to Energoatom, in recent days, the invaders began to actively deliver diesel fuel to the ZNPP, preparing for its long operation in the blackout mode, which could be the result of the incapacitation of the Ukrainian energy infrastructure that provides connection between ZNPP and our energy system.
In addition, today the Russians tried to stop the South Ukrainian nuclear power plant in this way, because the attack on the Dnipropetrovsk region disabled one of the lines leading to this nuclear power plant, so the station was also temporarily disabled. Therefore, Energoatom called for the imposition of the entire set of sanctions against the Russian nuclear industry as soon as possible, including Rosatom, Rosenergoatom and other enterprises directly involved in the implementation of these plans.
However, we also have encouraging news. Yuriy Ignat, spokesman for the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said that from Sunday evening until today, the Russians launched 43 kamikaze drones flying from the south across Ukraine. However, our air defense forces managed to shoot down 37 of them, which is 86%. This is a pretty good result. However, we still need better air defense equipment.
By the way, this morning calls appeared on the network for those citizens who have their own weapons to try to shoot down flying drones on their own. Like, they are slow, very loud and low-flying, so you can try to shoot them down. However, later the Ministry of Internal Affairs urged not to do this. Like, chaotic shooting in residential areas can do even more trouble. Interior Minister Denis Monastyrsky confirmed that today the capital's police really managed to shoot down one of the drones with small arms, but urged the gun owners not to try to shoot down the drones and leave this matter to law enforcement and the military.
Demand for air defense systems for Ukraine is growing
Today again, more than ever, the question of urgency arises in modern air defense systems that our Western partners promise us. It is worth noting that earlier it became known that Germany had already transferred to Ukraine the IRIS-T system, which operates in the south. This is the most modern air defense system to date, which is provided to Ukraine. However, this also creates a problem – these systems are simply not physically available, the first system was handed over to Ukraine directly from the assembly line. However, it is quite effective, because with the help of this air defense system you can shoot down combat aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, hit rocket artillery, drones, anti-radar missiles and bombs. A three-meter rocket is capable of hitting targets at a distance of about 25 km. Also, unlike other systems, IRIS-T is able to keep a large number of targets on sight.
It is also known that Spain and France agreed to provide Ukraine with less powerful air defense systems in the near future. At the same time, Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said that Ukraine would soon receive the latest air defense systems – Norwegian NASAMS air defense systems designed to destroy maneuvering targets at low and medium altitudes.
In addition, due to the introduction of an increasing number of NATO standards in the Ukrainian army, according to Reznikov, the partners will soon simply have no arguments why they cannot transfer tanks and aircraft to us. Ukraine is already implementing NATO's Logfas accounting and logistics system and is reforming its defense procurement system along NATO lines. According to Reznikov, Ukraine has already mastered more than 300 NATO standards and continues to carry out one of the largest transformations of the defense forces since the Second World War, moreover, during the active phase of hostilities.
As of today, it is important to note that, following the results of Rammstein 6, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and the head of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, publicly identified assistance in creating an integrated air defense and missile defense system for the protection of the Ukrainian sky as a top priority. Consequently, all more than 50 partner countries have left with homework – what exactly they can offer to close the sky. And we already have the first results, but there will be more.
In addition, today Ukroboronprom announced a Ukrainian response to Iranian drones. The state concern has hinted that they are completing the development of a Ukrainian strike drone with a range of up to 1,000 kilometers and a warhead weighing 75 kilograms. may impose sanctions on Russian military drones” name=”Responsibility for aggression against Iran may impose sanctions on Russian military drones”>Responsibility for aggression: Iran may be sanctioned for drones provided to Russia
In addition to closing the Ukrainian sky over Ukraine, another task has appeared for the West – to punish Iran for helping Russia in this war. This morning, against the backdrop of an attack by Iranian drones, the Iranian Foreign Ministry again cynically stated that they did not supply anything to Russia and did not even know what kind of drones they were.
However, there is no longer any faith in these words , after all, Western media warns that Iran may be preparing a new batch of drones and short-range ballistic missiles for transfer to Russia.
Today, the head of the Servant of the People faction, David Arakhamia, said that the Ukrainian authorities are working through diplomatic channels with neighboring countries to stop all available logistics corridors for Iran. At the same time, some European Union foreign ministers have called for new sanctions against Iran if Tehran's involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine is proven.
Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod said the EU must respond strongly to new attacks on Kyiv by Iranian drones, as well as to the tough measures that Tehran is taking against protesters at home. France and Germany, both parties to the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, have made clear that they consider new sanctions on Russia-used drones necessary, given that such transfers violate a UN Security Council resolution. Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn said that additional EU sanctions against Iran would not be limited to blacklisting certain individuals if Tehran's involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine is proven. So, the EU can prepare another strike against Iran for its cooperation with the Russians.
Nuclear race ahead of the curve: new tension between NATO and Russia
In addition to missile attacks and attacks by kamikaze drones, Russia is also increasing nuclear blackmail, frightening the use of tactical nuclear weapons. However, NATO decided to be proactive and demonstrate readiness to fight back. Today, October 17, NATO begins training on the development of nuclear weapons. The Alliance exercise is called Steady Noon. They will involve 60 aircraft from 14 allied countries, including bombers capable of carrying nuclear bombs. The maneuvers will take place over the territories of Belgium, Great Britain and the North Sea and will last until October 30.
At the same time, the Kremlin also decided to rattle nuclear weapons. According to unconfirmed information, the Kremlin may start its nuclear exercises called “Thunder” today. Moscow plans to use its bombers and submarines capable of carrying nuclear weapons. The area for maneuvers will be the Barents Sea, where the Russian military has already closed at least seven areas for flights and vessel traffic.
At the same time, the country's largest international military exercise, NATO Iron Wolf 2022, will start today in Lithuania. Military personnel from Lithuania, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Luxembourg, Great Britain, the USA and Australia will train for two weeks in a row. In total, 3,500 military and 700 units of military equipment will take part in the exercises. Germany will also take part in the exercise.
Meanwhile, Russia continues to use Belarus for intimidation
However, there is another tension on the part of Belarus. In particular, the formation of units of the so-called Belarusian-Russian group of troops continues there. It is already known that Russia is transferring about 10 thousand of its military to Belarus, the transfer of aviation has already begun, and today the Belarusian Defense Ministry also reported on the amount of equipment that the Kremlin is transferring to a neighboring country – about 170 tanks, up to 200 armored combat vehicles and up to 100 cannons and mortars with a caliber of more than 100 millimeters.At the same time, Belarus claims that they are allegedly preparing to defend themselves from some kind of mythical attack. According to a representative of the Belarusian Defense Ministry, as threats to the security of the allied state are considered, I quote: “the deployment of a NATO group near the borders against the backdrop of a lack of dialogue, an increase in the intensity of NATO training measures on offensive topics, and encouragement of Belarusian radical elements to overthrow the legitimate government in Belarus.” However, we, unfortunately, heard similar rhetoric before the full-scale invasion on February 24.
It is obvious that Putin wants to intimidate the Ukrainians with a new offensive by such pressure and, which is now critically important for him, to pull back part of the Ukrainian forces from the southern and eastern front. Why is that? Because, according to British intelligence, it has become increasingly difficult for Russia to ensure the supply of its group in southern Ukraine in connection with the consequences of the explosion on the Crimean bridge. And although the Russians are trying to establish new ways of logistics, this does not help them much.
Therefore, in this situation, the Kremlin first tried to persuade Kyiv to negotiate, and now it is trying to force it to sit down at the negotiating table, terrorizing Ukraine with missile attacks and kamikaze drone attacks. However, analysts at the Institute for the Study of War are confident that Putin’s intentions are unlikely to change whether there is a ceasefire or not – the Kremlin will use any cessation of hostilities to consolidate gains and freeze the front line in its best configuration in order to prepare for further aggression against Ukraine. And the key in this aspect is the right bank of the Dnieper in the Kherson region, therefore, according to analysts, this is why fierce battles are now continuing for this sector.
However, the Institute for the Study of War is confident that The Dnieper should not become the first line of defense for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, but rather the last. The river is the strongest defense if the Russians first need to try to advance towards it and prepare to cross while the Ukrainian defenders thwart their efforts. Consequently, Ukraine should be able to create and maintain positions on the left bank of the Dnieper. And while this possibility persists, Putin will try to escalate the situation in the peaceful territories of Ukraine.
Worth a look – meanwhile, in Russia, the plane crashed on residential buildings: watch the video
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