Monday, January 29, 2024: Update on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
1. Ukrainian Air Force reports drone and missile attacks by Russia: The Ukrainian Air Force confirms that Russia has launched drone and missile attacks across the country, targeting both civilian areas and critical infrastructure. Two Iskander missiles were fired at the central Poltava region, while three S-300 surface-to-air missiles were launched over the Donetsk region in the east. Ukraine’s air defense systems successfully destroyed four out of eight Russian-launched drones. Sadly, three civilians were injured in these attacks.
2. Ukraine demands proof from Russia regarding crashed military transport plane: Ukraine challenges Russia to provide evidence supporting its claims that the Ilyushin-76 military transport plane that crashed in the Belgorod region last week was carrying Ukrainian prisoners of war. Kyrylo Budanov, the chief of Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence, states that Kyiv has no verifiable information about the individuals on board the plane. Ukrainian authorities also point out that relatives of POWs listed by Moscow were unable to identify their loved ones in crash site photos provided by Russian authorities.
3. Corruption charges in Ukrainian weapons procurement: The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) files charges against five individuals for corruption in weapons procurement. These individuals are accused of conspiring with Ministry of Defense officials to embezzle nearly $40 million intended for the purchase of 100,000 mortar shells for the ongoing conflict. If found guilty, the accused
