Moscow and Kyiv traded accusations on Monday as fighting continued across eastern Ukraine, with both sides reporting attacks and casualties. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) announced the arrest of a suspect in the attempted assassination of Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev, a senior Defense Ministry official, claiming he acted on the orders of Ukrainian intelligence. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged international allies not to “close their eyes” to the escalating attacks, as Russia intensified its bombardment of several regions.
Attempted Assassination and Allegations of Ukrainian Involvement
The FSB identified the detained suspect as Lyubomir Korba, a Russian citizen born in 1960, who was apprehended in Dubai and subsequently extradited to Moscow. According to the FSB, a female accomplice allegedly fled to Ukraine. The agency alleges that Korba was contracted by Ukrainian intelligence services to carry out the attack on General Alekseyev. Details regarding the method of the attempted assassination remain limited, but the incident underscores the escalating tensions between the two countries and the potential for covert operations.
Escalating Attacks and Regional Impacts
Fighting has been particularly intense in the eastern and southern regions of Ukraine. In the Dnipropetrovsk region, Governor Oleksandr Hanzha reported that three people were injured in Russian strikes on the Nikopol area. Damage was reported to residential buildings, agricultural structures, vehicles and critical infrastructure, including power and gas lines. The attacks highlight the continued vulnerability of civilian areas to the ongoing conflict.
Elsewhere, authorities in Kyiv reported that the capital came under attack from ballistic missiles. Mayor Vitali Klitschko urged residents to seek shelter as air defense systems were activated. While the immediate consequences of the attack remain unclear, it demonstrates Russia’s willingness to target major urban centers. Further south, in the Kherson region, authorities reported that eight people were injured in overnight Russian shelling, causing damage to homes, shops, and restaurants.
Cross-Border Incidents and Accusations
Russia also accused Ukraine of launching attacks within its own territory. The governor of the Bryansk region, Aleksandr Bogomaz, claimed that a Ukrainian drone struck an agricultural enterprise, injuring three workers. Similarly, officials in the Kherson region, controlled by Russian-backed separatists, reported that three people were wounded in a Ukrainian raid on the town of Kakhovka. These incidents reflect a pattern of cross-border attacks and counter-accusations that have become increasingly common throughout the conflict.
The Russian Ministry of Defense also claimed to have intercepted 22 Ukrainian drones overnight, with 11 downed in the Bryansk region, six over the Black Sea, and others in the Kaluga and Kursk regions. These claims could not be independently verified.
International Developments and Diplomatic Efforts
Amidst the escalating violence, international efforts to find a diplomatic solution continue. The United States reportedly aims for a peace deal by March, although the feasibility of such a timeline remains uncertain given the current battlefield dynamics and the deep-seated mistrust between the two sides.
Meanwhile, India’s role in the conflict has come under scrutiny. Reports suggest that Indian refineries are preparing to halt purchases of Russian oil in April, potentially in response to pressure from the United States. President Donald Trump reportedly secured a commitment from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reduce reliance on Russian crude, and a potential trade agreement between the two countries could further incentivize this shift. However, New Delhi has not officially announced a complete cessation of Russian oil imports.
President Zelenskyy, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), announced new sanctions targeting companies and individuals involved in the production of drones and missiles for Russia. He emphasized the need to disrupt the supply of essential components used in Russian arms manufacturing and called for sustained pressure on Moscow to raise the cost of the war. He also announced sanctions against Russia’s financial sector, targeting entities facilitating payments for missile and drone components.
Disruptions to Communications and Tactical Implications
Ukrainian military officials have indicated that the disruption of Starlink satellite communications, facilitated by SpaceX, has hampered Russian offensive operations along the northern border. The Ukrainian military has been actively managing access to Starlink terminals to prevent their use by Russian forces. This has reportedly limited the enemy’s ability to coordinate small-unit assaults reliant on drone support.
Further Incidents and Casualties
A fire broke out in a warehouse near Kyiv following Russian strikes, resulting in the death of one firefighter and injuries to another. In the Bryansk region of Russia, four Indian students were reportedly injured in a knife attack at a medical university, prompting an investigation by Russian authorities. The incident highlights the broader security concerns and potential for violence beyond the immediate conflict zone.
The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides showing little sign of de-escalation. The continued fighting and accusations underscore the deep-rooted complexities of the conflict and the challenges facing efforts to achieve a lasting peace.
