Ukraine's attacks on Belgorod injures at least 16
A series of Ukraine drone attacks on the region of Belgorod injured at least 16 people on Tuesday, the governor of the region in Russia's southwest that borders Ukraine said on Wednesday.
Among the injured were a doctor and a paramedic, Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on the Telegram messaging app. Eight people were hospitalized, he added.
The Russian defense ministry said that its units destroyed 12 drones that Ukraine launched overnight, three of them over the Belgorod region. The ministry reports only the number of drones destroyed, not how many Ukraine launched.
Reuters could not independently verify the Russian reports. There was no immediate comment from Ukraine. Both sides deny targeting civilians in the war that Russia started with an invasion of Ukraine 2022.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin called for direct talks with Ukraine on Thursday, while he called a proposal, issued at the weekend by Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his European allies for a 30-day ceasefire, an ultimatum.
Zelenskyy said that he would attend the talks that are to take place in the Turkish city of Istanbul if Putin is also there, and urged US President Donald Trump, who offered to join the meeting, to come along as well.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
an hour ago
- Arab News
Putin says special attention should be paid to nuclear triad in Russia's new arms program
MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that special attention in the country's new arms program should be paid to the nuclear triad — land-based, sea-based and aircraft-launched weapons. Putin's remarks, broadcast on state television, were made at a meeting of senior officials devoted to the country's arms industry. 'Undoubtedly, special attention should be paid to the nuclear triad, which has been and will remain the guarantee of Russia's sovereignty and plays a key role in upholding the balance of forces in the world,' Putin said. A total of 95 percent of weapons in Russia's strategic nuclear forces, he said, were fully up-to-date. 'This is a good indicator and, in essence, the highest among all the world's nuclear powers,' he told the gathering.
Al Arabiya
7 hours ago
- Al Arabiya
Ukraine's military says it struck Russia's Tambov gunpowder plant
The Ukrainian military said on Wednesday that it struck Russia's Tambov gunpowder plant overnight, causing a fire. 'It produces gunpowder for various types of small arms, artillery and rocket systems,' the Ukrainian military said in a statement on Telegram, characterizing the plant as one of the main facilities in the Russian military industrial complex. The Ukrainian military also said that it recorded explosions at an ammunition depot in Kursk region and an airfield depot in Voronezh region. Reuters was not able to independently confirm the incidents.
ArabGT
7 hours ago
- ArabGT
Renault Could Shift Gears From Electric Vehicles to Military Drones
In a development that underscores the evolving role of automotive manufacturers in global security, Renault has been approached by the French government to assist in drone production in Ukraine. This initiative, still under discussion, signals a historic shift for the French automaker as the automotive and defense industries increasingly intersect amid ongoing geopolitical challenges. The move comes as drones have become a central pillar of Ukraine's defense strategy against Russia's invasion. Last week's long-range drone strikes on Russian airfields highlighted just how critical unmanned aerial systems have become to Kyiv's military tactics. Ukraine plans to deploy more than 4.5 million drones this year, while Western nations look to bolster Ukraine's capabilities and develop more robust security guarantees. According to French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu, the project would involve a 'completely unprecedented partnership' between a major French car manufacturer and a smaller defense contractor. Production lines would be established inside Ukraine, close to the front lines, to rapidly supply Ukrainian forces. The collaboration is also expected to benefit the French armed forces by providing ongoing tactical and operational training that reflects the realities of modern combat. Renault confirmed it has been contacted by the Ministry of the Armed Forces and that discussions are underway. 'No decision has been made at this stage as we await further details from the ministry,' the company stated. If the plans proceed, this would mark the first time Renault has produced military equipment since World War II, when its R35 tanks were used in France's defense. This initiative also reflects broader shifts within the European automotive and defense sectors. As demand for defense equipment surges across Europe, traditional automakers face increasing challenges, from transitioning to electric vehicles to managing competition from Chinese manufacturers. Some defense contractors in Germany have even begun recruiting laid-off automotive workers or expressed interest in repurposing car plants for arms production. For Renault, participating in drone manufacturing represents both a strategic opportunity and a profound transformation of its industrial role. The project aligns with Kyiv's push to attract Western investment in its defense sector and to establish joint ventures with local arms manufacturers. Already, more than 40 foreign defense companies have launched projects in Ukraine. While it remains unclear what types of drones Renault might produce, the significance of this collaboration is clear: automakers are no longer confined to civilian mobility. In today's security landscape, the boundaries between automotive innovation and defense technology are rapidly dissolving — and Renault may soon be at the forefront of this new frontier.
