Russia said Monday that its armed forces hit 142 areas in Ukraine, while Ukraine, on the same day, reported shooting down Russian drones.
The Russian Ministry of Defense said in its latest report that over the past 24 hours, Russian forces struck 142 areas in Ukraine, targeting fuel and energy facilities, railway infrastructure, long-range drone storage sites, as well as locations used by Ukrainian troops and foreign mercenaries.
They destroyed several tanks and armored vehicles, nine field guns and howitzers, electronic warfare stations, ammunition depots, and supply warehouses, according to the report. In the directions of Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and Kupiansk, Russian forces repelled multiple attacks by Ukrainian troops, the report said.
Also on Monday, the Ukrainian Air Force said that since 20:00 on Sunday, Russian forces launched attacks on Ukraine using 2 "Iskander-M" ballistic missiles and 128 drones. According to preliminary data, as of 09:00 Monday, its air defense forces had shot down or suppressed 91 drones, said the air force.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Energy also reported that Russian forces attacked energy infrastructure in Kharkiv, Sumy, Chernihiv, Odesa, and Donetsk regions, causing damages to the facilities.
In another development, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday signed a letter of intent under which Ukraine could purchase up to 100 Rafale fighter jets over the next decade, as well as other defense equipment, according to both leaders.
The two leaders met in Paris. At a joint press conference, Macron said France and Ukraine would strengthen bilateral cooperation over the next decade, particularly in the defense sector.
Macron added that France's support for Ukraine includes not only military assistance but also cooperation in civilian and economic fields.
Zelensky wrote on X that the signing marked a "historic moment" for both countries.
Russia claims to have hit 142 areas in Ukraine while Ukraine reports shooting down Russian drones
