These images show Ukrainian border police discovering two Ukrainian citizens in an attempt to illegally cross the border to Moldova.
In the drone-shot footage, one man is seen trying to hide from the border guards inside a ditch near Odesa during nighttime in a bid to escape capture.
However, he and his companion were soon spotted and apprehended.
The images were obtained by Newsflash from the Izmail Border Detachment on Wednesday, 3rd January, along with a statement saying: “Border guards detained two offenders using a quadcopter in Odesa region.
“Two citizens of Ukraine were detained by border guards of the Izmail detachment while attempting to illegally cross the state border near the village of Nahirne, near the border with Moldova.
“When the men saw the border patrol, they tried to overcome the anti-transport ditch despite the obstacle.
“However, this attempt failed because the drone operator had clearly coordinated the actions of the border guards.
“The 34 and 39-year-old residents of Zaporizhzhia region were detained.
“Currently, reports on administrative offences under Part 2 of Article 204-1 of the Code of Administrative Offences ‘Illegal crossing or attempt to illegally cross the state border’ have been drawn up against the ‘night tourists’, and the court will decide on the offenders.”
Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February 2022 in what the Kremlin is still calling a “special military operation.” Today marks the 680th day of the full-scale war.
Ukrainian Border Guards Shoot Down Russian Drone Over Odesa Region At Night
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 4th January 2024, Russia had lost approximately 362,280 personnel, 6,002 tanks, 11,128 armoured combat vehicles, 8,574 artillery units, 947 multiple launch rocket systems, 630 air defence systems, 329 warplanes, 324 helicopters, 6,753 drones, 1,785 cruise missiles, 23 warships, 1 submarine, 11,423 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 1,304 units of special equipment.
Ukraine and Russia conducted the largest prisoner exchange since the war’s onset, mediated by the UAE.
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy announces the return of 230 individuals, including soldiers from Mariupol.
Russia has confirmed that 248 prisoners were released.
The exchange marks a significant development amid the 22-month-long conflict, with previous swaps becoming less frequent.
Over 2,500 Ukrainians have been freed in exchanges since Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Poland’s foreign minister, Radoslaw Sikorski, urged allies to provide long-range missiles to Ukraine in response to recent deadly Russian missile strikes on Kyiv and Kharkiv.
Sikorski emphasised the need to target “launch sites and command centres.” Poland, a staunch ally of Ukraine, advocated for a response that speaks to Putin’s understanding and suggested tightening Western sanctions on Moscow to hinder weapon production.
Sikorski, in his pro-EU government role, emphasised mobilising the economy to support Ukraine during his first visit abroad.
Ukrainian Border Guards Destroy Russian Tank And Ammo Depot With Drones
Ukraine launched 12 missiles and multiple drones early Wednesday targeting Russia’s southern region of Belgorod, as confirmed by Russia’s Defence Ministry and local authorities.
The EU imposed sanctions on Russia’s state-run diamond company, Alrosa, and its CEO, as part of a broader ban on importing precious stones in response to the conflict in Ukraine.
Norway will dispatch two F-16 fighter jets to Denmark to assist in training Ukrainian pilots on the operation of US-made aircraft, as announced by the Norwegian defence minister.
Ukraine’s foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, called for expedited delivery of air defence systems, combat drones, and long-range missiles.
In response to a recent Russian strike, Kuleba urged Western partners to accelerate the provision of these critical military assets. Including long-range missiles with a range exceeding 300 km.
