Ukraine steps up attacks on Russian infrastructure

(CLO) The Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to escalate as Ukraine steps up attacks on Russian infrastructure, while Kiev shows signs of being left out of peace talks with Moscow and Washington.

According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Ukraine has increased drone attacks on Russian energy and military facilities, causing significant damage.

Firefighters extinguish a fire at an oil refinery in Russia near the city of Ukhta, Komi Republic, Russia on June 2, 2024. Photo: Russian Emergency Situations Ministry Press Service

One of Kiev’s key strategies is to target Russia’s energy system, a key source of war funding. Last year, Ukraine launched more than 80 attacks on Russian oil refineries and storage facilities. Russia’s refining capacity has been cut by 10 percent due to Ukrainian attacks and US sanctions.

In February, Ukraine destroyed two Valdai radar complexes in Moscow Oblast, attacked the Novolipetsk metallurgical plant, which produces 20 percent of Russia’s steel, and launched a drone attack on the Andreapol oil pumping station on the Baltic Pipeline-2 pipeline. These attacks have weakened Russia’s war economy and put further pressure on Moscow.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has initiated peace talks by calling Russian President Vladimir Putin. He announced that the two sides have agreed to meet to discuss peace.

However, European allies are concerned that the US is holding talks without Ukraine. NATO representatives from Britain, Germany and Lithuania demanded that Kiev join the negotiations and accused the US of giving in to Russia. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters affirmed that his country continues to support Ukraine, stressing the importance of a just and lasting peace.

Cao Phong (Newsweek, CNN, AJ)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ukraine-day-manh-tan-cong-co-so-ha-tang-nga-du-cac-cuoc-dam-phan-dang-dien-ra-post334628.html