United News of Bangladesh

Russian aerial attacks forced the partial closure of three bridges over the Dnipro River in Kyiv on Friday, disrupting traffic across the Ukrainian capital in what officials described as Moscow’s latest tactic to disrupt daily life. At the same time, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Kyiv had received separate proposals from the United States, India, Turkey and Egypt for limited ceasefires with Russia. The proposals call for a halt to attacks on energy facilities and commercial shipping in the Black Sea. Strikes on energy infrastructure have contributed to fuel shortages in Russia and power outages in Ukraine, while Black Sea shipping is vital for Ukraine’s grain exports to global markets. The strikes that led to the closure or partial closure of three of Kyiv’s six road bridges caused major traffic jams. The attacks appeared to represent a new approach in Russia’s campaign against the capital. Russia has previously targeted apartment buildings, supermarket warehouses, gas stations and data centers, among other sites, as its aerial attacks have intensified. The air campaign has increased in recent months as fighting along the roughly 1,250-kilometer front line across northern, eastern and southern Ukraine has largely stalled. Russia invaded Ukraine more than 4½ years ago, but there are still no clear signs of a possible peace agreement. Ukraine, however, has made some gains against Russia’s larger military this year, according to the Institute for the Study of War. The Washington-based think tank said in a report Thursday that Russian forces lost control of nearly 300 square kilometers (116 square miles) between March and September. It also estimated that Russia suffered more than 46,000 military casualties in September, the highest monthly figure this year. The report did not provide an estimate of Ukrainian casualties. Zelenskyy says sanctions could curb Russian drones and missilesRussia launched more than 100 drones at Ukraine overnight, striking Kyiv and eight other regions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. Nearly half of the drones were jet-powered models, which he said are particularly difficult to intercept. One drone struck a high-rise apartment building in Kyiv, killing one person, Zelenskyy said. At least four others were reported injured elsewhere. Zelenskyy again urged other countries to close loopholes in sanctions against Russia and impose additional restrictions on Russian trade. He said Russian drones and missiles are “critically dependent” on foreign-made components. “Every Russian drone can actually be stopped right at the production line,” Zelenskyy said in a post on X. Ukraine has also carried out long-range drone and missile attacks inside Russia, targeting military production facilities and oil refineries. Russia’s Defense Ministry said Friday that its air defenses had shot down 646 Ukrainian drones overnight over Russian regions, occupied Crimea, the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea. One person was injured in Russia’s southwestern Volgograd region, Gov. Andrei Bocharov said. He said the attack targeted “industrial infrastructure” but gave no further details. Ukraine open to limited truce on energy and Black Sea attacksSybiha said the proposals from the four countries marked the first time India had offered to help mediate the conflict. India has sought to maintain its relationship with Russia while also strengthening ties with the United States and other Western countries. A proposed new US sanctions package against Russia could impose tariffs of up to 100% on New Delhi because India remains a major buyer of Russian oil. Sybiha said Kyiv was prepared to accept a ceasefire covering attacks on energy infrastructure, including Russian strikes on Ukraine’s power grid and Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries. He also said the truce should cover commercial vessels carrying grain and other agricultural products through the Black Sea. “We are ready for an energy and Black Sea ceasefire, but only in that combination. Energy and a ceasefire in the Black Sea,” Sybiha told reporters Thursday. He again offered an unconditional ceasefire along the front line. Moscow, however, has rejected such a proposal, saying a comprehensive peace agreement should be reached instead of a temporary truce. Ukraine says Russia stockpiling ballistic missilesSybiha said Ukraine was asking partner countries for about 300 Patriot missiles, citing intelligence estimates that Russia has around 600 ballistic missiles in reserve and can produce as many as 140 more each month. The US-made Patriot air defense system is considered effective against ballistic missiles, which travel at high speeds and descend steeply. However, the systems and missiles are in limited supply amid the war in Iran. Ukraine seeks urgent funding for drone productionSybiha said Ukraine urgently needs additional funding to secure future drone production and avoid shortages early next year. Kyiv faces an estimated budget deficit of about $27 billion this year. The European Union has pledged to help cover Ukraine’s financial needs and strengthen its defense capabilities. Russia is also facing economic and financial pressure because of high military spending and rising debt.