It's a blow to the heart of the Russian offensive. The explosions caused a literal earthquake, but the Russians are also hitting the target, destroying Ukrainian infrastructure. Meanwhile, Ukrainian companies are increasingly hiring women to fill vacancies in jobs usually held by men.
It was one of the largest attacks carried out by Ukraine on Russian territory using drones. The Ukrainians destroyed an ammunition depot in the Tver region, where the Russians stored, among other things, ballistic missiles.
The heat released in the explosion was picked up by sensors on NASA satellites. Seismic stations recorded tremors resembling a small earthquake. The governor of Tver Oblast ordered the evacuation of residents of nearby towns.
Zelensky: We have achieved a great thing
– First of all, I would like to thank our soldiers. We have achieved a great thing on the territory of Russia. Such actions weaken the enemy – said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Last night, Ukrainian air defenses shot down more than 40 drones launched by Moscow. In Donbas, the Russians are pushing toward Pokrovsk, which is of great operational importance to both sides of the conflict. The city is a logistics base and a major transport hub for the Ukrainian armed forces. The battle for Pokrovsk will most likely be the culmination of this year's military campaign led by Moscow. Despite regular shelling, about 18,000 people have decided to stay in their homes. Volunteers are helping to evacuate residents.
– There is no electricity, heating or gas. We are leaving because my mother and sister need medical care – says Maksym Hlushkov, a resident of Pokrovsk.
– Those who could leave on their own did so, but sick people need specialized equipment and medical supervision – points out Igor Yerczenko, a doctor.
The European Union will provide Ukraine with 160 million euros
Russian attacks on critical infrastructure in the Sumy region continue. EC President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Union will provide Ukraine with 160 million euros in connection with the upcoming heating season. Germany will increase its support before winter arrives.
– We will transfer one hundred million euros to Ukraine. Autumn is coming and winter is just around the corner. The Russians want to make life as unbearable for Ukrainians as possible – comments German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.
A column of fire over an ammunition depot in the Tver regionReuters
According to The Wall Street Journal, citing confidential sources, 80,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed and 400,000 wounded since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion. However, the authorities in Kiev claim that these statistics are exaggerated.
The shortages on the front are filled by prisoners. However, military service is not for everyone. People convicted of, among other things, sexual offences are not released from prisons.
– We have a goal, a task that we have to complete. We are always focused. We think and act quickly. I have to change something in my life. I have five children, I have to think about them. My life was a real mess – admits Vitaly, a former prisoner fighting on the front.
Ukraine lacks not only soldiers but also workers
Vitaliy is one of more than 4,600 prisoners who have joined the Ukrainian army. Convicts who are recruited into the army are contracted for the duration of the war. Their salaries range from $500 to $4,000 per month, depending on the time spent on the front lines.
– The prisoners are used to survival. They will do anything to survive – says Oleksandr, commander of the 59th brigade.
Ukraine is short of not only soldiers but also hands to work. Businesses across the country are trying to fill the labor shortage by hiring more women in positions traditionally dominated by men. Women work in mines, warehouses and in security. They are training to be tractor, tram and truck drivers, among other jobs.
– People are curious and shocked when they see me. They often film me when I unload the truck. They take pictures of me. Soon there will be more women working in the logistics industry. Then people will leave me alone – says Lilija, a truck driver.
– I realize that I have to work to support my family. Men are sent to the front. As women, we had to take over their duties – says Maria, a tractor driver and mother of two.
Analysts say the labor crisis could threaten economic growth and post-war recovery. Central bank data shows Ukraine has lost more than a quarter of its workforce since Russia invaded in February 2022.
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Main image source: Reuters