Ukraine drone strikes/ Russian arms depots/ Zelenskyy victory plan/ U.S. military aid/ Russia-Ukraine war/ Newslooks/ KYIV/ Ukraine/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the U.S. for swift support as Ukraine launched a major drone attack on Russian arms depots. With over 100 drones deployed, fires erupted at key Russian military sites. Zelenskyy plans to present a “victory plan” to President Biden, emphasizing the need for long-range strike capabilities to enhance Ukraine’s defense.
“Zelenskyy Seeks Quick U.S. Support After Ukraine Drone Strikes Quick Looks”:
- Ukraine’s drone strikes hit Russian arms depots, igniting massive fires.
- Zelenskyy calls for rapid U.S. military aid ahead of his White House visit.
- Zelenskyy’s “victory plan” includes long-range strike capabilities and key defense strategies.
- A 12-year-old boy and two elderly women were killed in Russian missile strikes on Kryvyi Rih.
- Russia claims to have shot down over 100 Ukrainian drones overnight.
Zelenskyy Seeks U.S. Support as Ukraine Hits Russian Arms Depots
Deep Look:
A massive Ukrainian drone attack set fire to a Russian arms depot deep inside the country on Saturday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the urgency of his upcoming visit to the White House, where he plans to present a “victory plan” to U.S. President Joe Biden, calling for quick action to secure more advanced weaponry for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy’s proposal centers on long-range strike capabilities and other defense systems Kyiv has long requested from its Western allies. He will also discuss the plan with Vice President Kamala Harris and her 2024 election opponent, former President Donald Trump.
Ukrainian Drone Attack Hits Russian Arms Depots
Ukraine launched over 100 drones overnight, targeting Russian military infrastructure and occupied Crimea. One of the major strikes occurred near the town of Toropets, about 380 kilometers (240 miles) northwest of Moscow. The attack caused a fire at a Russian missile depot, leading authorities to temporarily close a 100-kilometer (62-mile) stretch of highway and evacuate nearby railway stations.
Unverified images shared on social media showed a large fireball and dozens of smoke trails from detonations. Additional strikes set off explosions at an ammunition depot in Russia’s Krasnodar region, prompting further evacuations. The explosions lit up the night sky, with videos capturing the sounds of continuous detonations.
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed its forces had shot down 101 Ukrainian drones, though there were no immediate reports of casualties from the attacks.
Zelenskyy’s Victory Plan and U.S. Support
Ahead of his visit to Washington, Zelenskyy discussed the details of his multi-point “victory plan,” which he described as the foundation for future negotiations with Russia. While the exact terms of the plan remain under wraps, Zelenskyy has made it clear that it outlines conditions acceptable for Ukraine to negotiate after more than two years of intense conflict.
“This will be the start and foundation for talking in any format with Russia,” Zelenskyy said during a Friday briefing. The plan includes a request for advanced long-range missiles and other weapons systems, which have been critical in Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to strike deep into Russian territory.
However, the U.S. has so far been cautious about providing these long-range capabilities, fearing escalation from Moscow, a nuclear power. Zelenskyy acknowledged this concern but stressed the urgency of action. He warned that the longer the West waits, the less effective these weapons will be in terms of tactical advantage.
Tragedy in Ukraine Amid Russian Strikes
While Ukraine’s drone attacks caused destruction in Russia, the war continues to take a heavy toll on Ukrainian civilians. Overnight, Russian missile strikes hit Kryvyi Rih, President Zelenskyy’s hometown in central Ukraine, killing a 12-year-old boy and two elderly women. Local Governor Serhii Lysak confirmed that the missiles struck as residents slept, damaging multiple buildings and injuring three others.
The strikes in Kryvyi Rih are part of Russia’s ongoing bombardment campaign across Ukraine, aimed at undermining Ukraine’s military and civilian infrastructure. Zelenskyy has repeatedly called for more Western support to protect Ukrainian cities and towns from these attacks.
The Path Ahead
As Zelenskyy prepares for crucial talks with U.S. leadership, the stakes are high. Ukraine’s “victory plan” is not only about securing additional weapons but also about setting the stage for future negotiations with Russia. Zelenskyy has expressed hope that quick action from the U.S. will help Ukraine gain the upper hand in the conflict, allowing Kyiv to better defend itself and strike more effectively against Russian targets.
The situation remains fluid, with Ukrainian forces continuing to launch bold attacks on Russian soil. As the war enters a new phase, international attention will be focused on whether Western nations, particularly the U.S., are willing to step up support and how this will shape the trajectory of the conflict.
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