Putin in shock! Ukraine has DESTROYED Russia's main missile facility with 'US HIMARS' near Moscow!

Summary

The Ukrainian military began an offensive against Russian forces, inflicting heavy losses. Ukraine reportedly used drones to strike a Russian military factory in Tula. Russia claimed to shoot down the drones but major damage was already done. Germany pledged to provide Ukraine with six helicopters to aid reconnaissance and troop transport. Meanwhile, Russia deployed warships armed with cruise missiles to the Black Sea as it tries to retain control of Ukraine's coast. Ukrainian officials warn Russia is vulnerable to strikes inside its borders as Ukraine develops longer-range drones, already demonstrated by attacks on Russian oil facilities.

Takeaways

• 😊 Ukrainian forces launched an offensive to target Russian morale and take advantage of equipment shortages
• 💥 Ukraine claims its drones struck a Russian military plant, causing explosions and fires
• 👍 Germany will provide 6 helicopters to Ukraine for transport and reconnaissance
• ⚔️ The US and EU are working to approve more military and financial aid to Ukraine
• 😨 Russia deployed warships with cruise missiles to the Black Sea as it tries to retain control of the area
• 😠 Russia is intensifying attacks and using drones with fragmentation munitions against civilians
• 🔥 Zelenskyy vows to keep striking targets in Russia as Ukraine develops longer range drones
• 😰 A Russian city cancelled events over drone attack fears and a plant near St Petersburg was struck
• 💣 The same Russian warehouse was hit again after being struck by a drone in May 2022
• 🇺🇦 Ukrainian forces continue attacking Russians with tenacity to liberate occupied territories

Q & A

What offensive did the Ukrainian defenders launch early in the day?

The Ukrainian defenders launched an offensive early in the day to deal a blow to enemy morale, as Russian soldiers cannot keep their morale up amid constant defeats.

How does the shortage of equipment among Russian forces help the Ukrainian fighters?

The shortage of equipment among Russian forces makes it easier for Ukrainian fighters to advance against them on the front lines.

What damage did Ukrainian drones inflict on a Russian military factory?

Ukrainian drones inflicted heavy damage on the Shovsky Val defense enterprise in Russia's Tula region which manufactures surface-to-air missile systems and other weaponry.

How did Russia try to minimize the damage from the drone strike?

Russia claimed it had shot down Ukrainian missiles and drones, trying to conduct a perception operation to minimize the damage though Ukraine inflicted major harm.

What helicopters will Germany provide Ukraine with?

Germany announced it will provide Ukraine with six Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk multi-purpose helicopters to aid reconnaissance, transport and other operations.

What statement did the US Secretary of Defense make at the Ramstein meeting?

The US Secretary of Defense called on allies to continue providing assistance like air defense systems to Ukraine at the Ramstein meeting.

Why has some Western aid to Ukraine been delayed?

Some Western aid to Ukraine was delayed due to issues like Hungary blocking an EU aid package and pending Congressional approval for US aid.

Where did Russia deploy warships with cruise missiles?

Russia deployed warships armed with Kalibr cruise missiles to the Black Sea and Sea of Azov to boost its offensive capabilities.

How are Russian forces using drones in southern Ukraine?

Russian forces are intensively using kamikaze drones armed with fragmentation munitions against civilian and military targets in southern Ukraine.

What city in Russia canceled Epiphany celebrations due to drone threats?

The Russian city of Belgorod near the Ukrainian border canceled its Epiphany celebrations due to the threat of Ukrainian drone strikes.