'Massive' aerial Russian attacks reported by Ukraine

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Ukraine claimed Russia launched "massive" missile and drone attacks on Friday, a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pushed his western allies for more advanced weapons, in particular fighter jets and long-range missiles.

Ukraine's President visited London, Paris, and Brussels this week, his only trip overseas following the start of the war in Ukraine.

Earlier today, Ukraine's army claimed Russia unleashed a barrage of missiles and drones on the country.

"The enemy struck cities and critical infrastructure facilities," the air force claimed, adding that seven Iranian-made explosive drones were launched from the Sea of Azov and six Kalibr cruise missiles from the Black Sea.

The air force also claimed it had shot down five drones and five Kalibr missiles. 

Russia also carried out a "massive" attack with "up to 35 anti-aircraft guided missiles" targeting the Kharkov region in the east and the southern Zaporozhye region, it said.

Moscow said Russian forces were moving on Bakhmut and Vugledar, two critical battlegrounds in the Donetsk area.

This is happening shortly after Western allies pledged more precision rockets and missile systems to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Politico reported citing a Ukrainian army officer that Ukrainian troops are forced to evacuate their positions owing to a lack of ammunition or commanders' reluctance to relieve forces, while soldiers seek to escape "senseless death".

It seems that projecting the ultimate outcome of the war is not challenging, as the Russian army gains ground. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian soldiers are reportedly "threatening commanders, consuming alcohol, questioning orders, and many other violations."