Ukraine Attacks ⁤Russian Port of Tuapse, Both Sides Report Drone Interceptions

Tuapse, Russia – Ukraine launched a nighttime‍ attack targeting the Russian port of Tuapse, with authorities​ reporting the​ destruction of ‍four Ukrainian drones. The incident occurred in coastal waters of the Black Sea, with one unmanned boat exploding near the‌ shore, according to the crisis staff of ​Russia’s Krasnodar region.

The explosion caused⁢ damage to glazing on the second floor of a house, as well‌ as a garage and boathouse, but no injuries were reported. Ukrainian news ⁤agency Unian, ⁤citing Telegram channels, indicated a “probable strike”​ near pier ‌number 167 in the port.

Tuapse is a major Russian port handling ⁤exports of ‌oil, oil products, grain, fertilizers, and agricultural goods, ⁣and ‍also houses an important​ refinery. Ukraine previously attacked Tuapse in early November, resulting in ⁤reported damage to the port and an oil tanker.As of publication, Ukraine ⁣has not commented on⁣ today’s attack.

Both Ukraine ⁢and Russia reported intercepting dozens of enemy drones overnight. The Ukrainian Air‌ force stated Russia attacked with‌ 67 drones, two Kinzhal ⁤ballistic missiles, and five missiles from the S-300 or S-400 ⁤systems, claiming to have destroyed​ 52 drones ⁣with 15 impacts recorded across nine⁣ locations.

The Russian Defense⁢ Ministry countered, stating its air defenses destroyed or intercepted 71 Ukrainian drones, primarily over​ the ⁣Bryansk region.

The Russian Defense Ministry‍ typically​ focuses its reporting on downed⁤ drones,⁣ and rarely​ details any resulting damage. Regional officials ⁢are usually the source of details regarding damage ​or⁣ casualties. Both sides ‌maintain their attacks on enemy territory⁣ are aimed ⁢at disrupting infrastructure vital to the opposing side’s war effort.

Kremlin⁣ States Putin Has Not Ordered Nuclear Test Preparations, Despite Security Council Discussion

Following reports from Radio Sloboda (RFE/RL), the Kremlin has stated that president Vladimir ⁣Putin has not issued an ‍order to⁣ begin preparations for ⁢nuclear weapons tests, despite the ‌issue being discussed ⁤at a ‍recent Russian Security Council meeting.

During​ the ​meeting, Russian Defense Minister ⁣Andrey Belousov proposed initiating preparations for nuclear tests at the Novaya⁤ Zemlya archipelago in the Arctic. This suggestion ​came in the context of recent statements by former ⁢U.S. President ‌Donald Trump, who indicated the U.S. ⁤might resume nuclear testing “because ⁢othre countries are also ‍conducting them.”

However, Alexander Bortnikov, head of Russia’s Federal Security ‍Service (FSB), noted uncertainty regarding Trump’s meaning.​ Consequently, Putin tasked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,⁤ the Ministry of Defense, intelligence agencies, and other relevant state institutions with submitting proposals outlining‌ the feasibility of preparing for such​ tests.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov ⁢clarified Putin’s decision in an interview with state television⁢ VGTRK, stating, ‍”Frist, we need ‌to understand whether we need it at all. It must​ be a very serious, reasoned and thought-out decision – and this is what‍ our experts are dealing with now.” Peskov also indicated Moscow is seeking clarification on what trump specifically meant by his statement about other nations conducting nuclear tests.

Peskov firmly asserted, “We know for sure that neither Russia nor china is conducting any⁢ nuclear tests.” He also ​dismissed interpretations of recent tests involving the Burevestnik missile and the ‌Poseidon underwater drone – both nuclear-powered ‍systems – as nuclear tests, labeling such claims “unprofessional.”

Trump initially declared in late october that the United States would “immediately” begin testing nuclear weapons ⁣”at the same level” as⁤ other nations, adding later to CBS News that he​ didn’t want the U.S. to be “the only country that doesn’t.” He did not, though, confirm ⁢a return to full-scale underground nuclear tests similar to those conducted before the 1990s.

The Kremlin continues to await an official clarification from washington.

RFE/RL notes that as the start of the Russian invasion ‌of Ukraine, Russian ‍leadership has increasingly alluded to the possibility of using nuclear weapons. Russia has also ‍taken steps including suspending the⁤ Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty, deploying nuclear weapons in Belarus, modifying its nuclear ⁣doctrine, and reportedly developing new weapons systems ‍- including Burevestnik and Poseidon – capable ‌of carrying nuclear warheads.

UkraineS Power Grid Suffers Fresh‍ Blow as Russian Airstrikes Target Thermal ​plants

Kyiv, Ukraine – Russian airstrikes have inflicted significant damage on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, destroying two thermal power plants in recent attacks, Ukrainian officials reported ‌today. The strikes represent a renewed push to ‌cripple Ukraine’s power grid as the conflict enters its third ‍year.

Details regarding the specific locations ⁢of the destroyed plants were not promptly⁢ released, but ‍officials confirmed the damage‍ is substantial ⁢and will impact electricity supply. The attacks come as Ukraine struggles to maintain its energy infrastructure amidst ongoing Russian aggression.

The strikes are part of a pattern of intensified Russian targeting of Ukrainian‍ energy facilities, aiming to disrupt essential services and weaken⁤ the country’s ability to sustain​ its war effort.

Simultaneously occurring, economic shifts are ⁤occurring​ within Russia itself, driven by Western sanctions imposed after Russia ⁤sent troops to Ukraine in ⁢early 2022. These ‌sanctions ‌have altered consumer habits, leading to a surge in the popularity of domestic wines.

According to Reuters, ⁣French and Italian wines, previously dominant in Russian supermarkets, have been largely replaced⁤ by ⁢a growing variety of Russian-produced wines. Sales of Russian wine ‍have increased dramatically, now accounting for approximately 60% ‍of the ⁢market, up from around 25% a decade ago.

“Russian‌ wine has gained a very high share‍ of the Russian market,” said‍ yuriy Yudich, chairman of⁢ the Association of Restaurateurs and Hoteliers, attributing the shift ​to increased import fees for products from “hostile countries.” imported wine prices have risen by 30-40%, he added, while Russian consumers are “getting used” to the⁣ taste of local varieties.

Russian,‍ Georgian, and Armenian wines now dominate ‌Moscow supermarkets. The growth of the Russian wine industry follows decades of disruption, including Soviet anti-alcohol campaigns, but has been revitalized by recent investment in southern Russia’s vineyards.

At the Côte Rocheuse winery near the Black Sea, chief winemaker⁢ and director of production Irina Jakovenková‌ stated, “We started selling wine in 2022, and ⁤in the​ same year we opened a winery for tourists. Since then, we have been increasing the volume of production every year, and sales are still growing.” The⁢ winery currently produces around 500,000 bottles annually, utilizing classic European grape varieties⁤ alongside indigenous Russian types.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly emphasized Russia’s economic resilience to sanctions and has urged businesses and officials to find ways to circumvent them. (TASR)