Ukraine’s Avdiivka ‘completely ablaze’ as Russia pounds city for fourth straight day
Russia has pounded Eastern Ukrainian’s Avdiivka for the fourth straight day, further destroying the city that is reportedly already “ablaze.” “The fighting has been going on for four consecutive days...They have substantial reserves of personnel and equipment. Avdiivka is completely ablaze,” Vitaliy Barabash, head of the city’s military administration, told Ukrainian national TV. “They shoot, using everything they have. The hospital is again under fire, as are administrative buildings and our volunteer centre,” Mr Barabash said. Russian attacks on the city, known for its large coking plant, have gutted it, according to Reuters. In what is considered the biggest military offensive of the ongoing conflict in months, Russia has moved a large column of three battalions, including about 2,000 troops, dozens of armoured vehicles, as well as jets into the northern flank of Avdiivka. Officials say the attacks on Avdviivka were relentless and that the enemy was attacking from all sides. The region is a crucial gateway to the Donetsk territory which is the primary communication hub within the occupied territories. “The enemy does not stop storming, they come from all directions,” Vitaliy Barabash, the head of the city’s military administration, said. Both Washington and Russia’s UN representative say the intensified battles in the east signified a new stage in the campaign. “Russian troops have, for several days now, switched over to active combat action practically throughout the entire front line. The so-called Ukrainian counteroffensive can therefore be considered finished,” UN’s Russia representative Vasily Nebenzia said. However, the US said it is confident Ukrainians would beat back Russian forces, although Russia does not seem ready to give up its campaign. “All Russian attacks have resulted in significant losses for them,” military analyst Serhiy Zgurets said. Russia’s own military has also suffered its worst combat losses since mid-February, according to Kyiv Post. The new offensive also suggests Russia could be unwilling to give up its campaign. “On average, there are 50-60 instances of intense shelling with artillery and rockets targeting the town. As for military positions, they get hit at least 500-600 times a day,” Mr Barabash added. Read More Ukraine-Russia war – live: Zelensky and Dutch PM visit Odesa and agree to boost air defence Israel-Hamas war live: Tens of thousands of Gazans flee homes as IDF launches ground raids US says North Korea delivered 1,000 containers of equipment and munitions to Russia for Ukraine war
1970-01-01 08:00
Nancy Pelosi's daughter Alexandra irks 'The View' fans with on-air 'yelling' while slamming Republicans
Alexandra Pelosi's appearance on 'The View' on October 13 where she discussed her HBO documentary about the Capitol attack left viewers puzzled
1970-01-01 08:00
India wins the toss and will bowl first against regional rival Pakistan at the Cricket World Cup
India has won the toss and will bowl first in its widely anticipated Cricket World Cup match against regional rival Pakistan before an expected 100,000-plus crowd at Narendra Modi Stadium
1970-01-01 08:00
Richard Arnold responds to question about ongoing Man Utd takeover saga
Manchester United CEO Richard Arnold was asked for an update on the club's proposed takeover during a recent fans' forum.
1970-01-01 08:00
American Angel Yin moves into a share of the third-round lead at the LPGA Shanghai tournament
American Solheim Cup player Angel Yin shot a 7-under 65 to move into a share of the third-round lead at the LPGA Shanghai tournament
1970-01-01 08:00
I feel sorry for the manager – Chiedozie Ogbene sympathises with Stephen Kenny
Chiedozie Ogbene has admitted he feels sorry for under-fire Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny after his lingering hopes of Euro 2024 qualification were finally dashed. Kenny’s reign seemingly reached the point of no return on Friday night when a 2-0 home defeat by Greece left his team with just three points from a possible 18 in Group B and mathematically unable to clinch a place in the top two. Ireland head for Gibraltar on Monday evening with only pride at stake and while Kenny received assurances last week that he would remain in charge until after next month’s fixtures, discontent with the direction of travel under his charge has reached fever pitch. I actually feel sorry for the manager Republic of Ireland international Chiedozie Ogbene Asked about the manager’s future, Luton striker Ogbene reflected on early chances which went begging and said: “Had we scored those chances, then the game would be different. “We would have been 2-0 up. But we didn’t take those chances and a positive start ends up negatively. “I actually feel sorry for the manager. We were not sharp in our decision-making and overall it is disappointing, the result.” Kenny took over from Mick McCarthy in April 2020 and vowed to shake up the squad he inherited. He has since blooded a new generation of young players and tried to implement a more progressive brand of football. Unfortunately for him, potential has not yielded results and his team have won just five of the 27 competitive games they have played. Four of those victories have come against lower-ranked sides – Azerbaijan, Luxembourg, Armenia and Gibraltar – with a Nations League success against Scotland the exception. Qualification from a group which also includes World Cup runners-up France and the Netherlands was always a big ask, but five defeats in six games tell their own story. Even a handsome victory over Gibraltar in Faro would do little to quell the negativity surrounding Kenny’s reign, but Celtic defender Liam Scales, who made his senior international debut against Greece, insists there will be no shortage of motivation. Scales said: “Look, it’s never hard to lift yourself to play for your country. Obviously I’ve only done it once, but the lads will tell you that it’s the best thing you can do as a footballer. “As players, we’ll be motivated to go there and put on a performance. As disappointed as we are, it’s playing for the jersey now. “Obviously qualification is done and that’s that. But we’re playing for the jersey and pride now. We’re all proud to be wearing the jersey and we’ll go to Gibraltar, hopefully get a result and do better.” Read More Gareth Southgate questions why England fans booed Jordan Henderson Stephen Kenny admits Republic of Ireland ‘needed to win’ against Greece Ben Davies: Wales go into Croatia clash believing anything’s possible Matty Jones says late Wales Under-21s draw in Czech Republic ‘feels like a win’ Stephen Kenny under pressure as Ireland’s qualification hopes come to end England and Australia observe silence for those killed in Israel and Gaza
1970-01-01 08:00
Megyn Kelly's fans concerned after she reveals security team's message to her on 'Day of Jihad'
Megyn Kelly said, 'It would be wise to carefully assess the need for travel and or activity outside your residence over the next 24 to 48 hours'
1970-01-01 08:00
Football transfer rumours: West Ham consider new Maguire bid; Liverpool keen on Sane
Saturday's roundup of transfer rumours includes news on West Ham's interest in Harry Maguire, Liverpool's hopes of signing Leroy Sane, Barcelona's admiration of Kaoru Mitoma and more.
1970-01-01 08:00
Singapore’s Wong Says China Needs Grow Its Influence ‘Carefully’
China’s attempt to grow its influence shouldn’t come at the expense of other countries feeling pressured or it
1970-01-01 08:00
Arab states say Palestinians must stay on their land as war escalates
By Suleiman Al-Khalidi and Maya Gebeily AMMAN/BEIRUT Calls for a humanitarian corridor or an escape route for Palestinians
1970-01-01 08:00
Switzerland Refuses to Take Sides in Ever More Divided World
Switzerland’s biggest political party wants to double down on neutrality, just as conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle
1970-01-01 08:00
Stanford rallies from 29-point deficit, beats Colorado 46-43 in 2nd overtime on Karty field goal
Joshua Karty connected on a 31-yard field goal in the second overtime after tying the game in regulation, Elic Ayomanor had a school-record 294 yards receiving and Stanford rallied from a 29-point halftime deficit for a 46-43 victory over Colorado early Saturday
1970-01-01 08:00
