Day 1681 Night of fire in Kiev and Odesa. Operation Vivaldi canceled Moscow's gains from the past year. Russians fire a new weapon (Video)

Day 1681 of the war began with new Russian airstrikes. The capital of Ukraine and the city of Odesa were targeted, where fires were reported.

Russian forces launched over 100 drones overnight, including 63 jet-propelled ones, which are faster.

Meanwhile, Ukraine plans the fourth stage of Operation Vivaldi in the Lîman sector of the front, after Kiev's forces recaptured a territory of 176 sq km. So far, this offensive has nullified the territorial gains made by Russia over more than a year.

And Russian forces are using a new weapon in the Rostov region, at the border with Ukraine - an anti-aircraft system different from those in service. Military analysts believe there are similarities between the launcher that the Russians call "Iva" and Chinese and Iranian systems.

Russia's Attacks

• Fires in Kiev and Odesa - Russia launched a new attack on Kiev during the night, with at least one person injured, after the previous day's Russian strikes on the capital resulted in three deaths and seven injuries, reports Kyiv Post. In the morning, a Russian drone hit a school building, causing a fire. Fortunately, the children were in an air raid shelter at the time of impact, as stated by the mayor of the capital, Vitali Kliciko. In Odesa, Russian forces targeted a business center, injuring one person, reports Ukrainska Pravda.

• Over 100 Drones in Ukraine - Russian forces launched 107 drones overnight (including 63 jet-propelled ones, faster). By 8:00 local time, the Ukrainian air defense had neutralized 87 drones. Strikes were recorded in 11 locations. Ukrainian Air Forces stated that the attack was ongoing in the morning, with multiple Russian drones detected in the country's airspace.

Ukraine's Strikes

• Fourth Stage of Operation Vivaldi Ahead - Ukraine plans the fourth stage of Operation Vivaldi, as announced by Volodymyr Zelenski after visiting the Lîman sector of the front on Wednesday, reports Kyiv Post. He mentioned that Operation Vivaldi halted Russia's advance towards areas behind the front lines at Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. In the first three stages, Russian troops suffered over 5,000 casualties, with 250 Russian soldiers taken as prisoners. Additionally, Ukrainian forces recaptured a territory of 176 sq km. An analysis by the Atlantic Council indicated that this offensive nullified Russia's territorial gains over a year.

Other Relevant Information

• Russians Use New Weapon at Ukraine Border - A portable anti-aircraft system, featured in a report by Russia 1 state television, caught the attention of military analysts, noting that the weapon differs from models in the Russian army's inventory. Analysts suggest similarities between the launcher called "Iva" by the Russians and Chinese and Iranian systems, reports Kyiv Post. Available data does not definitively identify the model or origin country, and the hypothesis of an Iranian origin cannot be ruled out. The Rostov region, where the "Iva" system was filmed, borders Ukraine and is frequently targeted by drone attacks. Anti-air defense units utilize portable rocket systems to intercept aerial targets.

• Russia Strikes Motor Fuel Market Again - Russia extends the ban on motor fuel exports for local producers until the end of October. The decision adds pressure to a European market already affected by supply issues and high prices. According to Reuters, the measure is justified by Russian authorities to maintain stability in the domestic market and prevent new supply problems. Russia is typically the world's second-largest exporter of motor fuel, after the USA.

• Zaharova Responds to NATO's Nuclear Warning - If Europe attacks Russia, it will be a completely different and very short war, stated Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She claims that Europe is being pushed towards a possible conflict with Russia and accuses NATO states of expanding their military infrastructure and practicing scenarios that could include blocking the Russian enclave at the Baltic Sea. Details HERE.