In a stunning turn of events, drones have unleashed an explosion over the iconic golden domes of the Kremlin, shaking the very heart of Moscow. These daring strikes, originating from hundreds of kilometers away in Ukraine, have targeted critical Russian air sites and government infrastructure, sending shockwaves through the region.
Among the audacious attacks, one struck a tower in Moscow housing key government ministry offices, including those responsible for the complex’s industrial and military components. Another drone landed perilously close to a pivotal Russian military facility, where officers convene in vast situation rooms adorned with colossal screens to oversee and manage the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
This brazen assault, occurring far from Ukraine’s borders, underscores a profound shift in Ukraine’s military strategy. As Ukraine intensifies its offensive within Russian territory this summer, it is strategically pinpointing military-aligned sites that directly contribute to Moscow’s relentless 18-month-long invasion of Ukraine.
On a significant note, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a decisive statement on Sunday evening, declaring, “Gradually, the war is returning to the territory of Russia,” specifically referencing Russia’s “symbolic centers and military bases.” He continued, “And this is an inevitable, natural, and entirely just process.” This public acknowledgment of Ukraine’s expanding campaign within Russia marks a notable departure from Kyiv’s previous stance of silence or ambiguity regarding such strikes.
Maori Churr TV – Talking Voices shared a facebook to express his sorrow, in which he stated that:
“Maori Churr TV – Talking Voices has copied a post made in our Kiwi group here in Toronto. We are extremely heartbroken, and Overwhelmed with sadness. A mighty Kauri has fallen…. Martin McSkimming (Marty), a stalwart of the Kiwi community, passed away unexpectedly in France where he was following our beloved All Blacks. Martin grew up in Otago, qualified as an accountant but he and accounting were not a match. He then left home to wander (as we do) and to make a better life for himself. He did just that here in Toronto with Lizanne Bertrand. When he bought Hemingways he created a place that so many of us now call a second home. Marty was one of the founding Board Members of our official Kiwi group, previously named KEA Toronto, which then rebranded as Kia Ora Canada – Toronto. He was an enthusiastic and cheeky promoter of the South Island – as any Kiwi that met him for the first time would discover. If Marty was in town, he would be at our pub night and other Kiwi events. He just recently attended our August Summer pub night. Through Marty, Hemingways has been a sponsor and a supporter of our Kiwi group for at least a decade. Marty was an adventurer at heart with a deep love of life and an avid skier. As an Otago Highlanders, All Blacks, Americas Cup and other Kiwi sports supporter he would often be traveling to see them perform. ‘Uncle’ Marty was one of the most generous, kindest, cheekiest, hard-working, Kiwi blokes one could ever have the pleasure of meeting. A great friend, an uncle to all, a confidant, a life partner for Lizanne, and a successful entrepreneur. Martin McSkimming, you were cherished and will be greatly missed by our Kiwi community here in Toronto! From all of us on the Kia Ora Canada – Toronto Board and on behalf of all our Toronto based Kiwis: Our heartfelt aroha and support goes out to all of Marty’s family and friends – Lizanne, Lawrence, Keren, Janine and the rest of the McSkimming and Betrand family. We are here for you, we love you all! Rest in Peace”.
Tragically, the consequences of this escalating conflict were tragically demonstrated on Monday when at least six individuals lost their lives, and 75 others sustained injuries in Kryvyi Rih, President Zelensky’s hometown. Two Russian missiles struck a residential building and a university complex in a stark reminder that Kyiv’s incursions into Russia, while audacious, pale in comparison to the devastation Moscow has wrought upon Ukraine.
Since Russian President Vladimir V. Putin’s fateful order to invade Ukraine, Moscow has relentlessly employed its vast arsenal of missiles, bombs, drones, and artillery to pummel Ukrainian cities and towns daily. These weapons possess longer ranges and larger explosives than anything Ukraine can deploy. The United Nations has documented 9,369 deaths and 16,646 injuries in Ukraine as of Sunday, with suspicions that the actual figures may be considerably higher. The region’s stability remains precarious as these dramatic events unfold.
