Russian airstrike on Kyiv after 54 days... Fierce battle in southern Kherson

As Ukraine's Counteroffensive Intensifies, Airstrikes Resume on Major Cities
Using US-Supplied Weapons, Push to Retake Southern Kherson Begins

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Russia resumed missile strikes on Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, and major cities after 54 days. This is interpreted as a resumption of rear-area airstrikes amid intensified counterattacks by Ukrainian forces in the main frontlines of Donbas and the southern region. The Ukrainian military has launched a large-scale counteroffensive in the southern Kherson province using weapons supplied by the United States.

According to the Associated Press on the 28th (local time), Kyiv was hit by Russian missile strikes for the first time in 54 days. Oleksiy Kuleba, governor of Kyiv, stated, "Infrastructure in Vyshhorod, Kyiv region, was attacked." Vyshhorod is a town located about 20 km north of downtown Kyiv.

Along with Kyiv, major northern cities such as Chernihiv and Zhytomyr were also targeted by airstrikes. Vyacheslav Chaus, governor of Chernihiv, said, "Multiple missiles were launched from Belarusian territory." It is estimated that about 25 missiles were launched from Belarus, striking the outskirts of Kyiv, Chernihiv, Zhytomyr, and other areas.

Russia had recently focused on the eastern Donbas region and southern frontlines, suspending airstrikes near Kyiv, but as Ukrainian counterattacks intensify mainly in the southern region, it is interpreted that Russia resumed airstrikes to disrupt rear areas.

In particular, the Ukrainian military is evaluated to be mounting a strong counteroffensive by cutting off Russia's key supply routes based on the U.S.-supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). It is reported that the recovery operation has officially begun after successfully isolating Russian troops stationed in the Kherson area.

The UK Ministry of Defence pointed out on Twitter with information on the Ukrainian war situation, "Ukraine's counteroffensive in Kherson is gaining momentum. Ukraine has damaged at least three bridges over the Dnipro River, which Russia relies on for supply to controlled areas, using new long-range artillery," adding, "Russia's 49th unit is stationed on the west bank of the Dnipro River and currently appears to be in a very vulnerable state."

If the Ukrainian military recaptures the Kherson region through counterattacks, the course of the war is expected to change significantly. The Kherson region is a strategic point connecting the Donbas and Crimea regions, and if Ukrainian forces retake this area, the likelihood of launching a full-scale territorial recovery increases, suggesting the war may become more prolonged.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.