Powerful explosions in Nikolaev, hostilities spread to new areas of Ukraine

published on 7/2/22 9:50 AM

Nikolaev

Photo: EPA/BGNES

Powerful explosions were heard early this morning in the Ukrainian city of Nikolaev, Mayor Alexander Senkevich said on social media. The Russian military and separatists are tightening the ring around the city of Lysychansk in Donbass. The local oil refinery was captured, as well as two villages on the right bank of the Donetsk River. Combat action covers new areas. 21 people died in a rocket attack on the town of Sergeevka in Odessa region. President Volodymyr Zelensky called the new Russian missile strikes "conscious and purposeful Russian terror."

Ukrainian authorities have called on Turkey to detain a Russian-flagged ship docked at the Black Sea port of Karasu, Reuters and AFP reported. According to Kyiv, the vessel was carrying 4,500 tonnes of stolen Ukrainian grain, loaded at the Russian-occupied port of Berdyansk. Ukraine has been claiming for months that Russia is stealing grain from the conquered parts of Zaporizhia and Kherson regions.

The Pentagon confirmed the next package of military aid to Ukraine worth 820 million dollars, the press service of the military administration announced. According to President Joe Biden, new advanced Western air defense systems, more artillery and anti-battery munitions radars among other equipment will be provided.

The Norwegian Prime Minister, Jonas Gar Støre, said that his country was ready to send more ropes to Ukraine, as well as donate 1 billion euros.

The Ukrainian army has accused Russian forces of shelling Snake Island in the Black Sea with phosphorus bombs, from where Russian troops withdrew after being driven out by the Ukrainians, AFP reported. Chief of the General Staff Valery Zaluzhny posted a video on Telegram showing a plane dropping at least two bombs and leaving their distinctive light white trails in the sky.

Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!