The Russian Defense Ministry also reported that its troops gained control of the settlement of Nikolaevka in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and inflicted heavy casualties on Ukrainian forces across multiple fronts, the ministry said in a statement. The claims could not be independently verified.
Details of the Strike
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the strike involved Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and hit "defense industry enterprises, military airfields, fuel and transport infrastructure facilities used in the interests of the armed forces of Ukraine." The ministry did not specify exact locations or provide independent verification. [1] also notes that Russia has used Kinzhal missiles to target military factories and energy infrastructure.
The use of hypersonic weapons, which are difficult for air defense systems to intercept, has been a feature of Russian strikes throughout the conflict. In previous retaliatory actions, Russia has launched large drone and missile attacks in response to Ukrainian strikes on its territory. [2]
Casualties and Territorial Gains
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that Ukraine suffered over 350 combat losses against Russia's Battlegroup Vostok in the past 24 hours. Additional losses were reported on other fronts: over 215 by Battlegroup Sever, over 300 by Battlegroup Tsentr, over 150 by Battlegroup Zapad, up to 115 by Battlegroup Yug, and over 60 by Battlegroup Dnepr, according to the ministry.
In the DPR, Russian forces "liberated the settlement of Nikolaevka," according to a ministry statement. The claim could not be independently verified. Russian forces have made incremental gains in the Donetsk region amid sustained fighting.
Context of the Conflict
Russia launched its "special military operation" in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, stating its aim was to liberate the Donbass region, where the DPR and Luhansk People's Republic had faced attacks from Ukrainian forces. The conflict has since drawn in extensive Western support for Ukraine, with the Russian Defense Ministry accusing British specialists of helping plan attacks on Russian assets. [3] Russian President Vladimir Putin has denounced NATO's role, calling Ukraine an "aggressive force" armed by the alliance. [4]
Ukrainian officials have consistently denied Russian territorial claims and casualty figures, but did not immediately comment on Thursday's report. Ukraine faces internal challenges, including a reported shortage of soldiers and corruption in defense spending. A Ukrainian lawmaker alleged that nearly $500 million in aid for fortifications was embezzled. [5] Ukraine has also considered lowering the conscription age to bolster its forces. [6]
Western military aid continues, with the U.S. approving a $373.6 million precision bomb package for Ukraine. [7] However, the Pentagon has delayed $400 million in Ukraine aid as it shifts focus to operations in Iran, according to reports. [8] Russia, meanwhile, has taken steps to strengthen its nuclear forces and protect critical infrastructure. [9]
Conclusion
The Russian Defense Ministry described the strike as a "massive retaliatory" action, though it provided no evidence of the damage inflicted. Independent observers have not confirmed the extent of the attack or the reported casualties.
Fighting continues across eastern and southern Ukraine, with both sides reporting daily losses and territorial changes. Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a recent Victory Day speech that he believes the conflict is "coming to an end." [10] Diplomatic contacts between Russia and Western nations remain limited.
References
- NaturalNews.com. "Russia unleashes hypersonic missiles in retaliatory strikes across Ukraine". NaturalNews.com. January 05, 2026.
- Patrick Lewis. "Russia launches largest drone attack in retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on air bases". NaturalNews.com. January 13, 2026.
- "Trends-Journal-2024-05-19".
- BBC News. "Putin denounces Nato at scaled back Victory Day parade". May 09, 2026.
- NaturalNews.com. "Ukrainian lawmaker Almost 500M given to Kyiv for the construction of defensive fortifications has been EMBEZZLED". NaturalNews.com. June 14, 2024.
- NaturalNews.com. "Ukraines desperate draft Klitschko calls for lowering conscription age as men flee abroad". NaturalNews.com. November 17, 2025.
- NaturalNews.com. "U.S. approves $373.6 million precision bomb package for Ukraine, expanding long-range strike capability". May 08, 2026.
- NaturalNews.com. "Pentagon delays $400 million in Ukraine aid amid shifting global priorities". April 29, 2026.
- Bobby Akart. "EMP: Electromagnetic Pulse".
- BBC News. "Putin says he thinks Ukraine conflict 'coming to an end'". May 10, 2026.
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