As daybreak broke, simply hours earlier than Russia’s Victory Day parade, explosions sounded over the Ukrainian capital.
The home windows of buildings shook from the shockwave of missiles that had been intercepted.
It’s turning into a nightly incidence after what felt like a lull in assaults on cities and cities.
And this can be very unnerving.
Ukraine war latest – Russia faces ‘imminent defeat’
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was assembly with the chief of the European Fee Ursula von der Leyen, mentioned it was one other determined signal that Russia’s struggle is failing.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen method the media earlier than their press convention in Kyiv
“The variety of missiles is rising. However for my part within the Russian Federation, the political navy authority must promote one thing to their society. As a result of they are not reaching something, and their society needs one thing radical and so they help it, just like the variety of casualties. They all the time help it.”
The strikes right here have now been occurring for months however they’ve failed to interrupt the resolve of this nation.
However the newest salvos come towards the backdrop of a looming Ukrainian counter-offensive.
Its navy has acquired intensive provides of Western ammunition and gear – together with tanks and armoured autos.
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Russia holds ‘scaled again’ Victory Day parade
Lots of the models who will likely be preventing are nonetheless coaching for the approaching assault and they’re optimistic they’ll win.
We joined Georgian fighters in a secret location in Kyiv as they refined methods in city fight.
Folks watch an condominium constructing broken by a drone that was shot down, throughout a Russian strike in Kyiv
Their drone operator advised us they’re practically prepared for energetic obligation.
Learn extra:
Russia’s scaled-back 2023 Victory Day parade compared to previous years
Putin’s ‘grotesque fictions’ exposed on much-changed Victory Day
“We’re in nice spirits, extremely motivated and we’re coaching. We have now workout routines as much as 4 hours per day. We’re prepared in our hearts and souls to start out the operations that now we have to start out already. It is time to begin the counter-offensive and to get again all Ukrainian territories.”
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reacts standing in a Kyiv condominium constructing broken by a drone that was shot down throughout a Russian strike
However a breakthrough is not going to be simple. Frontline motion has been measured in metres for months.
Evaluation of satellite tv for pc imagery reveals Russia has used this time to construct lengthy defences throughout the frontline.
The primary assault could possibly be within the south, the place Ukraine might attempt to break the Russian land bridge to Crimea.
However Ukraine is aware of success is important.
Its counter-offensive would be the solely likelihood it will get to vary the dynamic on the battlefield and assure continued Western help.