On the 4th Anniversary of the Conflict, Russia and Ukraine Continue to Clash

[Global Times Special Correspondent Liu Yupeng] On the fourth anniversary of the outbreak of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, both sides have yet to reach a substantial peace agreement, and their armies continue to strike targets within each other's territories. According to a report by the Russian newspaper "Izvestia" on the 23rd, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that the Russian military had destroyed some transportation, energy, and fuel infrastructure used by the Ukrainian army. The day before, the Russian military conducted large-scale strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The Russian side stated that this action was a response to the Ukrainian military's attacks on civilian infrastructure within Russia.

On the 22nd, Ukraine used drones to attack an oil station located in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. Voronezh and Belgorod regions in Russia also reported being attacked by Ukrainian drones, resulting in local power outages and heating disruptions. Ukrainian President Zelensky stated on the 22nd that the situation in Ukraine is very difficult. However, during an interview with the BBC that day, he emphasized that Ukraine would not agree to a ceasefire by making concessions on territorial issues. He also called for NATO forces to be deployed closer to the front lines. However, he acknowledged that no one is willing to stand on the front lines.

French President Macron stated on the 23rd that the European Union must advance the 20th round of sanctions against Russia and emphasized that discussions regarding new sanctions measures will take place "in the coming days."

According to a report from RIA Novosti, the 23rd is Russia's "Defender of the Fatherland Day." In a video address released from the Kremlin that day, Russian President Putin stated that Russia will significantly strengthen its army and navy based on the development of the international situation, drawing on the combat experience accumulated during the special military operation and the level of Russian industrial technology.  

Putin stated that the development of the "triad" nuclear forces remains an absolute priority for Russia, as it not only ensures Russia's security but also effectively maintains strategic deterrence and preserves the balance of power in the world. Putin said that Russia will continue to enhance the quality and potential of all other branches of the armed forces, their readiness and mobility, as well as their operational capabilities under the most complex conditions, and will further accelerate the pace of research and development of advanced equipment systems.