Volodymyr Zelensky: The War Gradually Moves to Russian Territory

Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, said in a televised speech on Sunday, August 8, "The war is gradually moving into Russian territory and the symbolic centers of this country." According to Axios, Zelensky also warned the "Russian aggressor forces" after the Kremlin accused Kyiv of conducting nighttime drone attacks on Moscow. The Ukrainian President stated, "Today marks the five hundred and fifty-second day of the so-called special military operation that Russian leadership expected would last 'one or two weeks.'" Axios reports that Zelensky further added, "The war is gradually reaching Russian territory, its symbolic centers and military bases, and this is an inevitable, natural, and completely fair process." Russian officials stated that in the early morning attacks on Sunday, no harm was done to individuals, but two drones collided with administrative buildings, causing minor damage. They also reported that a third drone was shot down in the air. Moscow announced on Sunday that Russian forces thwarted a nighttime Ukrainian attempt to attack Crimea with 25 drones. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that 16 Ukrainian drones were destroyed in the attack on Moscow by air defense fire, and this attack "had no casualties." According to TASS news agency, Vnukovo Airport in the southern outskirts of Moscow suspended flights for about an hour, and the airspace over Moscow and its surroundings was temporarily closed to all flights. After the Kremlin accused Kyiv of conducting drone attacks in Moscow and Crimea last week, Ukrainian officials stated that as part of a major counteroffensive designed to drive Russian forces out of their territory, they intend to use more drones. Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, calling it a "special military operation" to disarm its neighbor. This war has so far killed thousands, displaced millions, and turned many cities in eastern and southern Ukraine into heaps of rubble. The war continues with bloody battles ongoing. Ukraine confirmed that Saudi Arabia will host representatives from thirty countries for peace negotiations regarding Ukraine. Medvedev warned that if Ukraine's counteroffensive is successful, Russia will use nuclear weapons. Ukraine reported that a Russian missile attack left at least one dead and five injured.