Donetsk People's Republic shelled 92 times by Kiev forces in 24 hours

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
8 Sep 2023 09:32

Ukrainian forces fired 313 rounds of ammunition, wounding three civilians.

A burnt car seen near an administrative building after shelling in the DPR, Oct. 16, 2022 (AP)

Ukrainian forces reportedly launched 92 artillery attacks on the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) within the last 24 hours, as stated by the DPR representative office within the Joint Center for Control and Coordination (JCCC) of issues pertaining to war-related incidents in Ukraine.

"Over the past 24 hours, the office reported 92 cases of fire by Ukrainian armed units," the office said on Telegram.

Ukrainian forces fired 313 rounds of ammunition, wounding three civilians over the past 24 hours, the statement added, noting that a total of 83 shelling attacks by Ukrainian troops were recorded in the previous day.

One day of war costs $100 million

On September 4, outgoing Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov told reporters that Ukraine is bearing daily costs of $100 million due to the war with Russia, adding that the assistance provided by volunteers since February 2022 has only accounted for 3% of the total funds used.

Reznikov pointed out that when one compares the funds raised by various volunteer foundations and the state's daily spending of $100 million, it becomes apparent how significant the financial burden of the war is. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal previously stated that Ukraine was using 100% of its tax income for military needs, and aid from donors and allies was also being directed toward the defense sector.

"A day of war costs us $100 million. Now take the budgets of all the respectable large volunteer foundations and see how much they raise. And take the state, which spends $100 million per day in general. Just think about it," Reznikov said, as quoted by the Ukrinform news agency.

On Thursday, the US announced a new $600 million security package which includes a range of munitions and equipment aimed at enhancing Ukraine's air defenses and battlefield readiness.

"This $600 million package includes equipment to augment Ukraine's air defenses, artillery munitions, and other capabilities," Pentagon Spokesperson Sabrina Singh said.

A day earlier, the Pentagon announced a comprehensive security assistance package valued at up to $175 million for Ukraine, Reuters reported.

It's notable that this package includes the provision of depleted uranium armor-piercing ammunition for Abrams tanks, marking the first time the United States has sent such controversial armor-piercing munitions to Kiev.