Russia says it intercepted a drone flying toward Moscow
The capital’s mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, said early Saturday that Russian air defense forces had shot down a drone approaching Moscow. According to preliminary information, “There was no loss of life or damage. Emergency services are on site,” he added.
The Russian capital has rarely been targeted since the conflict in Ukraine began in February 2022, but Ukrainian drone strikes have increased in recent months. Moscow and other parts of Russia were targeted, including the more recently annexed Crimea. On Friday, the Russian Defense Ministry said it had shot down 42 Ukrainian drones there.
For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is happy to see the war “coming to Russia.” On Wednesday, officials in the Belgorod region on the border with Ukraine reported three civilians killed by Kiev forces. The same day, a drone crashed into a skyscraper in Moscow’s business district, destroying windows without causing any casualties, officials said. It was the sixth consecutive day of drone strikes over Moscow and its region.
Strong gesture from New Zealand to Ukrainian war refugees
New Zealand has announced that it will grant permanent resident status to refugees from the war in Ukraine. It will be accessible to those on special temporary visas who exit the conflict by March 15, 2024, Immigration Minister Andrew Little said.
“Many of those seeking safety in New Zealand never imagined staying here for long, but as the war continues, we have a humanitarian obligation to provide them with certainty,” he added. “We are making the application process for residency as easy as possible,” he said. To do this, candidates do not need to pass a language test, have adequate funds or seek sponsorship.
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