Kyiv stages mock Russian parade
A column of burnt-out Russian tanks, selfpropelled guns and armoured personnel carriers attracted huge crowds when it went on display in central Kyiv yesterday, mocking Vladimir Putin’s plan to have his soldiers in the Ukrainian capital within days of launching his invasion.
The Ukrainian defence ministry said the display in Kyiv was a “reminder to all dictators how their plans may be ruined by a free and courageous nation”.
According to the Ukrainian foreign affairs ministry yesterday, 44,900 Russian troops have been killed and more than 1,900 tanks have been destroyed since the invasion began in February.
Yesterday there was a fresh drone attack by Ukraine on Russia’s navy headquarters in Sevastopol in annexed Crimea.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials said Russian shelling in the southern region of Mykolayiv injured at least nine civilians, including four children.
All the children, aged from three to 17, were in a serious condition, with a young girl losing an eye.
The US will provide Ukraine with another £655 million worth of military support, including surveillance drones, mineresistant vehicles, anti-armour rounds and howitzer weapons to help mount a counter-offensive against Russia.
The US is also to buy about 150,000 tonnes of grain from Ukraine in the next few weeks.