24 September,2023 07:12 PM IST | Kyiv | mid-day online correspondent
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Russian airstrikes in southern Ukraine's Kherson province claimed two lives and left three others injured, as the ongoing conflict entered its 20th month. Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported the strikes, which targeted the city of Beryslav, causing significant damage to private residences. Among the casualties, a woman lost her life, and three individuals, including a police officer, sustained injuries, according to a report in the Associated Press.
Additionally, another airstrike in the village of Lvove resulted in the death of a 67-year-old man. Governor Prokudin did not specify the type of weaponry used in this attack.
The AP report cited that both of these communities are situated in the Ukrainian-controlled part of the Kherson region, separated by the Dnieper River, which has served as a demarcation line since Russian forces retreated across it in November 2022. This retreat significantly boosted the morale of Ukraine as the invading Russian troops pulled back.
Subsequently, Russian forces regrouped on the eastern bank of the Dnieper River and have consistently shelled cities and villages on the western bank, including Kherson, the regional capital, which was initially occupied but later retaken by Ukrainian forces over ten months ago.
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In another development across the border, a Ukrainian drone reportedly struck an administrative building in Russia's Kursk city, causing "insignificant damage" to the roof, according to regional Governor Roman Starovoit. No casualties were reported, and the building's purpose was not disclosed. Unconfirmed reports from both Russia and Ukraine suggest that the target may have been the Kursk branch of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), the report read.
Reportedly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, returning from North America, where he addressed the UN General Assembly and visited Canada, made a stop in Poland to present state awards to two Polish volunteers. Although he did not meet with Polish officials, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude on social media for Poland's "invaluable support and solidarity in defending the freedom of our entire Europe."
Poland has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine, taking in numerous Ukrainian refugees and providing significant aid since Russia's invasion in February 2022. However, tensions have arisen due to a trade dispute between the two countries. Ukraine recently filed a complaint with the World Trade Organisation against Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia for banning imports of Ukrainian agricultural products, which are vital to Ukraine's economy. Poland responded by stating it would no longer transfer weapons to Ukraine but would instead focus on modernizing its own defence capabilities, raising questions about the continued Western support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
