Russia and Belarus plan to start joint air force exercises, and this raises fears in Kyiv and the West that a new attack on Ukraine could be launched, writes Reuters.
Meanwhile, the chances of finding surviving buildings in the ruins of Dnipro, where Russia launched a missile strike on a block of residential buildings, are dwindling. The deputy governor of the region stated that at least 30 people have died and more than 30 are in hospital, 12 of them in critical condition. 30 to 40 people could still be under the rubble. Dnipro Mayor told Reuters that the chances of finding survivors were minimal.
Ukraine has informed that Dnipro was hit by a Russian Soviet-era Kh-22 missile. The Ukrainian Air Force does not have the equipment to shoot down these missiles, which are designed to destroy warships.
Russia heavily shelled Ukraine on Saturday, the 14th of January, and fierce battles continued around Bakhmut and Soledar. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a speech after the Dnipro strike, called on Western allies to supply more weapons so that Ukraine could end Russian terror and attacks on civilian targets. Western countries have finally agreed on the delivery of heavy military equipment to Ukraine, and on the 14th of January, Great Britain supplemented the offers of France and Poland, stating that it will deliver 14 Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine.
Moscow perceives the delivery of heavy equipment as an escalation of the conflict. The Russian embassy in London has indicated that this will encourage confrontation.
Minska states that the exercises will be aimed at strengthening the defense. Unofficial information shows that a large number of soldiers, helicopters, and military vehicles have been delivered to Belarus since the beginning of this year. On Sunday, the 15th of January, there allegedly were 12 planes. Reuters has not been able to confirm this information. The Ministry of Defense of Belarus reports the arrival of Russian Air Force units and has indicated that all airfields and training grounds will be used for the exercises.
The deputy head of the State Security Committee of Belarus has stated that the country’s southern border is currently in turmoil, and Ukraine is provoking Belarus, but Belarus is trying to maintain peace.
Ukraine has been pointing out possible attacks from Belarus for a long time. The Kremlin denies putting pressure on Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
Meanwhile, the battles around Soledar are still going on. Although the Russians report that they have captured the city, the Ukrainian armed forces deny this information. Heavy fighting continues in the salt mining town, and the Russians enter the city from different directions.
Read also: War in Ukraine: Bloody battles continue around Soledar and Bakhmut