🛬💥 Самый Массированный Удар Дронов! Продвижение Под Бахмутом | Олег Жданов

In Ukraine, May 8th is a significant day, known as the Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation. It is a day dedicated to honoring the victims of World War II, rather than celebrating victory. It's a solemn occasion, devoid of festivities or jovial dances on graves. In this article, we will delve into the historical context of Victory Day, the Soviet Union's role during the war, and the military and political situation Ukraine faces today.

The Erased Years: Reflections on the Soviet Union

While the Soviet Union played a crucial role in defeating the Nazis during World War II, it carried a shameful secret. Two years of the war were effectively erased from history, conveniently hiding the Soviet Union's collaboration with Hitler against its former allies, France and Britain, who were supporting Poland. However, it is worth noting that history is not devoid of complex and often regrettable moments, which we will explore further in the military-political section.

Returning to the present, the night in Kiev was filled with intense noise and tension for approximately three and a half hours. The Russian Federation attempted to breach Ukraine's air defense using Iranian Shahed drones, which they continue to acquire. However, Ukraine's air defense successfully repelled this attack, setting a remarkable record. This attack marked the most concentrated drone assault since active military operations began on February 24, 2022, and, impressively, all 35 drones were shot down. Although there were casualties and damage caused by falling debris, the important thing is that the drones failed to reach their intended targets and detonate.

Unfortunately, the expectation is that the Russian Federation will persist with these attacks for two primary reasons. First, to assess and weaken Ukraine's air defense capabilities. Second, to commit genocide against the Ukrainian nation and coerce surrender to their terms. In the last 24 hours alone, Russia launched 16 missile strikes, including drone attacks on several Ukrainian cities such as Kharkiv, Kherson, Chernihiv, Sumy, Mykolaiv, and Odessa. The most devastating damage occurred in Odessa, where a storage facility for Red Cross medicine and humanitarian aid was obliterated, significantly impacting the Red Cross's efforts.

Furthermore, there were 61 airstrikes and 52 instances of enemy rocket artillery shelling, targeting both military positions and civilian areas. Tragically, there have been casualties and injuries, including among civilians, and residential buildings and educational institutions have suffered damage.

The prospect of further Russian missile and air strikes across Ukraine remains alarmingly high. For instance, Russia has deployed seven ships, inclusive of four missile carriers containing a total of 32 Kalibr missiles. Although the supply of these missiles had ceased in April, there is a possibility that they have replenished their stockpile. Notably, the Volyn-Polesie direction does not exhibit signs of offensive troop formations, maintaining a somewhat stable situation.

Battling On Multiple Fronts: A Glimpse into Ukraine's Struggle

Turning our attention to various directions, it becomes evident that the enemy's military presence continues to be a constant threat. They maintain their positioning in border areas on the Northern and Sloboda fronts, stationing about two battalions in each region. While there have been slight structural modifications, their primary function remains providing cover for the state border. Progressing beyond this front line, the enemy relentlessly shells Ukrainian territory, now with the addition of aviation, dropping guided or glide bombs. Sumy and Chernihiv regions have been subject to intensive bombing over the past 24 hours, with mortar and artillery attacks exacerbating the situation.

In the Kuban-Lymansky direction, the enemy has refrained from embarking on extensive offensive actions, occasionally attempting to reclaim disputed territories. However, these attempts have proven unsuccessful, resulting in losses and subsequent retreats to their initial positions. The city of Bahmut remains an active combat zone, with occupiers launching incendiary white phosphorus ammunition, transforming the area into a living nightmare. Notably, the enemy has also employed GRAD systems to intensify their efforts on a limited space, augmenting the challenges faced by Ukrainian defenders. This marks the second wave of mass incendiary projectile usage within days.

On the Bahmut front, the enemy sought to initiate attacks on the towns of Khromova, Ivanovska, Chasiv Yar, and Stupchyky. However, their attempts proved futile, with Khromova returning to Ukrainian control. Reports indicate that Ukrainian forces have even advanced nearly a kilometer into enemy territory. As for the Mariupol direction, defending forces have persistently repelled multiple attacks within the city, focusing their efforts on ensuring its defense.

To summarize, the situation remains tense, with Ukraine under constant attack from the Russian Federation. It is crucial for Ukraine to maintain resilience and continue defending its territory and people. Although there was a small advance in the center of the city two weeks ago, subsequent shifts have been nonexistent. The stalemate persists, with the occupiers confined to Maryinka in the mining direction. Notably, positional battles and artillery duels are commonplace, consolidating the stability of certain sectors of the front.

In the Bahmut, Tavdiivske, and Marianske directions, the intensity of the fire has slightly decreased, but tensions remain high. Additionally, the enemy continues defensive actions in the Zaporizhia and Kherson directions, launching airstrikes on cities and towns in the Donetsk and Zaporizhia regions. Guided bombs dropped from aircraft, without physically approaching the front lines, are a growing concern. These aggressive actions incite retaliatory responses from Ukrainian artillery, engendering counter-battery combat. Shockingly, over the past day, enemy artillery has targeted more than 50 settlements in the Kherson region.

Efforts are being made to ensure the safety of civilians residing on the right bank of the Dnipro River, implementing security measures to safeguard their well-being. On the left bank, aside from the aforementioned limited movement, there have been no significant changes in the past 24 hours. The enemy has not made any advances, but fierce clashes continue in the western part of Bahmut and on the left flank of Andriivske and Avdiivka bulge.

A New Perspective on Victory Day: The Shifting Political Landscape

Victory Day, traditionally celebrated on May 9th, has undergone a recent transformation in Russia. In an unexpected move, the date has been changed to align with the rest of Europe, observed on May 8th. The reason behind this alteration lies in the dissatisfaction of Joseph Stalin, the Soviet leader, with the signing of the German surrender on May 8th. Stalin insisted on recommencing the capitulation ceremony on May 9th, this time in the presence of representatives from the United States and Britain.

This change in date designates May 8th as a non-working holiday, while May 9th is now categorized as a working holiday. The significance stems from May 8th being the day of the signing of surrender, while May 9th represents the formation of the European Union in 1950. Curiously, in the Soviet Union, Victory Day was not celebrated for 20 years until its restoration during Leonid Brezhnev's leadership. However, the article criticizes the current Russian President, Vladimir Putin, for transforming Victory Day into a celebration of militarism rather than a day of remembrance.

Shifting our attention to recent events, a fire at a Red Cross warehouse in Odessa resulted in the destruction of crucial humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, in Moldova, an operation called "Shahtun" is unfolding, allegedly orchestrated by pro-Russian leaders to create unrest and justify a substantial Russian military presence. This raises a curious concern for Putin, as dwindling support for the war among the Russian population may hinder his ability to recruit enough soldiers for future military campaigns.

Lastly, the European Union intends to impose sanctions on Chinese companies that support Russia, signaling a growing recognition in Europe of the urgent need to counter Russian aggression. The article concludes by emphasizing the need to curtail the flow of support to Russia, urging measures to prevent any further assistance to the Russian war effort against Ukraine, and ultimately, the entirety of Europe.

In conclusion, the Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation serves as a poignant reminder of the victims of World War II. Ukraine continues to face relentless attacks from the Russian Federation, necessitating resilience and steadfast defense. The political landscape undergoes transformation, with Victory Day remodeled to align with Europe. Yet, amidst these changes, international recognition of the need to counter Russian aggression appears to be growing. It is crucial for Ukraine and its allies to stand strong and unite against the forces threatening peace and stability.