In the latest development in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, a massive explosion was reported overnight in the Rostov-on-Don region of southern Russia. Although the reports have not been verified by Sky News, eyewitnesses claim to have seen a large flash before losing power in their apartments. Video footage of the alleged blast has been circulating on social media platforms.
Initial reports suggest that the explosion occurred at an electricity substation, causing widespread power outages in the area. Statements attributed to the Rostov mayor’s office indicate that the explosion and subsequent power outage originated from the water treatment facilities of JSC Rostovvodokanal, a company responsible for designing water supply and drainage systems in the region. The statement further explains that a malfunction in the pumping equipment led to the incident, which also left residents without a steady water supply for several hours.
As the situation in Russia unfolds, the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence claims that over the last 24 hours, 1,080 Russian soldiers and officers were killed or wounded in action, bringing Russia’s total combat manpower losses since the start of the invasion to approximately 527,390. The Ukrainian military also asserts that they have destroyed two Russian tanks, 18 armoured fighting vehicles, 14 artillery systems, and eight UAVs during the last day of fighting. However, these reports have yet to be independently verified.
In a related development, Vietnam has come under criticism for hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The visit has drawn international attention and raised questions about Vietnam’s stance on the war and its relationship with Russia. Critics argue that by welcoming Putin, Vietnam is implicitly condoning Russia’s actions in Ukraine and undermining international efforts to pressure Moscow to end the conflict.
As the war in Ukraine continues to rage on, the international community remains deeply concerned about the escalating violence and the impact on civilians caught in the crossfire. The reported explosion in Rostov-on-Don and the alleged heavy losses suffered by Russian forces underscore the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The situation in Ukraine remains fluid, with both sides making claims and counterclaims about the progress of the war. As the international community watches closely, pressure mounts on Russia to end its military campaign and engage in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. The criticism faced by Vietnam for hosting Putin also highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play, as nations navigate their relationships with Russia and the West in the context of the ongoing crisis.
Sky.com
