NUNZIUM

Moscow and Kyiv were targeted by drone attacks on Tuesday, marking the first time residential areas in the Russian capital have been hit since the invasion of Ukraine. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported minor damage to several buildings but no casualties, while at least one person was killed in Kyiv. President Putin blamed the incident on "terrorist activity" and an attempt to intimidate Russians. Russia's Defense Ministry claims that Kyiv targeted Moscow with eight drones in a "terrorist attack," with three drones taken down by jamming control systems and five shot down with air defense systems. Reports suggest that up to 32 drones were involved in the attack.

Despite its distance from the frontline and strong air defenses, Moscow has not been immune to drone attacks. Earlier this year, air defense systems were installed in the city, and two drones were shot down over the Kremlin earlier this month in what was claimed to be a Ukrainian assassination attempt against Putin. The drones used in these attacks are believed to be a new type capable of flying long distances.

Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak denies Kyiv's involvement in the Moscow attack, and observers suggest the strikes were aimed at sowing fear ahead of Kyiv's counteroffensive. Meanwhile, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has confirmed the transfer of some tactical nuclear weapons from Moscow to Minsk, raising concerns amid global proliferation and Moscow's threats with its atomic arsenal. The US, EU, and Belarusian opposition leaders have denounced the move to deploy Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.

Ukraine claims to have thwarted the largest overnight drone attack on Kyiv since the Russian invasion began, destroying 52 of 54 explosive drones launched by Moscow, including over 40 in Kyiv, resulting in two people killed and three injured. In response, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announced new sanctions against 220 companies and 51 individuals linked to Russia.

The ongoing conflict has also impacted sports, with exiled football teams Shakhtar Donetsk and Dnipro-1 set to play each other in safer western Ukraine with the league title at stake. As for the military situation, Ukraine is preparing for a counter-offensive against Russian forces, with no specific date given for the assault to retake territory from Russia. Ukrainian forces have been targeting Russian control centers and military equipment since February 24th last year, and the battle for Bakhmut has been acknowledged as costly, but necessary.

In conclusion, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has entered a new phase with the increased use of drone attacks and escalating nuclear tensions. As both sides prepare for a potential counteroffensive, the world watches anxiously, hoping for a peaceful resolution to this devastating conflict.