The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has reached its 900th day since its commencement on February 24, 2022, when Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a “special military operation” to liberate the pro-Russian population of the Donbas region.
Today, Sunday, August 11, 2024, a fire broke out at the nuclear power plant Zaporizhia in southern Ukraine, sparking a series of accusations between Volodymyr Zelensky and the Kremlin.
Additionally, the Russian government acknowledged for the first time since the conflict began that Ukrainian forces have made ground in the city of Kursk.
Fire at Zaporizhia nuclear power plant sparks disputes between Volodymyr Zelensky and the Kremlin
A fire erupted at the nuclear plant in Zaporizhia, with the cooling tower of the plant being affected.
Located in the southern region of Ukraine, the nuclear power plant is under the control of the Russian Army, leading to an exchange of accusations following the incident.
Initially, the Kremlin accused the Ukrainians of carrying out a bombing that damaged the station’s systems. Later, Volodymyr Zelensky countered that the incident was due to poor management by Russian forces, alleging it was a deliberate attempt to pin the blame on Ukraine.
Radiation levels in the area remained normal following the fire, according to initial assessments.
Ukrainian army makes progress in Kursk incursion
The Russian government confirmed on Sunday that Ukrainian forces have made significant progress in the city of Kursk.
This offensive was launched by Ukrainian forces, catching the Russian troops in the region by surprise since last Tuesday, August 6.
Russian forces also reported that Ukrainian soldiers attempted to advance into the areas of Tolpino, Juravli and Common Wells, which are currently under their control.
Russia accused the Ukrainian offensive of being an attempt to destabilize the Kremlin, hinting at the possibility of a counteroffensive.
Harsh Russian and Ukrainian attacks (EFE)
Ukrainian tanks advance in Sumy; they may be heading towards Kursk
Several tanks of the Ukrainian Army were spotted crossing the Sumy region, a border area near Kursk in Russia.
This advance is believed to be related to the incursion into Kursk as it is the next city on the route.
The armored vehicles are marked with the white triangle insignia, which is the identifying mark of Ukrainian troops, differentiating them from Russian forces.
Ukrainian tanks in the Sumy region on the border with Russia (Roman PILIPEY / AFP)