In a significant development, Ukraine has begun utilizing long-range ballistic missiles provided covertly by the United States. This was revealed by US officials on Wednesday, who confirmed that these missiles were employed in an attack on a Russian military airfield in Crimea last week and against Russian forces in another occupied area overnight. These missiles, which had been highly sought by Ukrainian leaders, effectively double Ukraine’s striking distance, increasing it to 300 kilometers from the previous 150 kilometers provided by mid-range versions supplied by the US in October 2022. The new missiles are reportedly part of a fresh military aid package approved by President Joe Biden on Wednesday.
Separately, the first face-to-face negotiations between Russia and Ukraine have concluded, resulting in an agreement to exchange 48 children who were displaced by the war. Moscow’s children’s rights commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova, announced that 29 children would be transferred to Ukraine, while 19 would return to Russia. Rostyslav, a Ukrainian who was abducted near Kherson and managed to escape Russian military training, recounted his ordeal, describing the isolation cell he was confined to as the most terrifying experience. He expressed his desire to escape but was aware of the potential consequences.
The news also sheds light on the ongoing humanitarian crisis caused by the war. Ukrainian authorities have confirmed the abduction of nearly 20,000 children and young people, with many of them still missing. Vladyslav Havrylov, a War Crimes Investigator for the PR Army, stated that his team has identified approximately 60 locations where abducted children are being held, not only along the Ukrainian border but also in far-eastern parts of Russia.
The conflict continues on multiple fronts, with Russian forces launching a missile attack on a storage facility for damaged vehicles in Odesa on Wednesday morning, also damaging overhead power lines and leaving several homes without electricity. Defense Forces believe that Russia is attempting to locate military infrastructure in the rear. Additionally, two Russian S-300 missiles struck the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, injuring six individuals, according to local authorities. Footage released by the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration captured the aftermath, showing buildings with shattered windows and a large crater.
