Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that the Russian force launched almost 160 missiles and drones overnight of Thursday, reportedly killing 30 people and over 150 people have been injured in Ukrainian cities.
Zelenskyy who made the confirmation on his social media platforms said Russian targets destroyed or damaged more than 100 private houses, 45 multi-story residential buildings, schools, two churches, hospitals, a maternity ward, and many commercial and storage facilities.
According to him, “As of now, at least 30 people have been reported killed due to the attack. My condolences to their close ones. Over 150 people have been injured, and all of them are receiving the necessary assistance”.
The President made it clear that it’s important that the world responds to this terror, adding that many leaders have expressed their support for Ukraine and Ukrainians, and he thanked each one of them especially those who helped with air defense.
“Today, our air defense warriors accomplished a lot. Almost 160 missiles and drones and our warriors shot down most of them. We will continue to strengthen our air defense and work to return war back to where it came from to Russia”, Ukrainian President said.
Overall, the attack hit six cities, and reports of deaths and damage came in from across the country. Several dozen missiles were striked towards Kyiv, with more than 30 intercepted, said Serhii Popko, head of the Kyiv military administration.
The United Nations through the Secretary- General, Antonio Guterres in a statement condemned the attack, adding that attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure violate international humanitarian law, are unacceptable and must end immediately.
British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak on X (formerly Twitter) said the attack should stir the world to further action in support of Ukraine. “These widespread attacks on Ukraine’s cities show Putin will stop at nothing to achieve his aim of eradicating freedom and democracy,”
Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau in his reaction on X said in the wake of this latest brutal onslaught by Russian force, the bravery, resilience of the Ukrainian people prevails, says “Volodymyr, your fight is our fight. Canada will continue to stand with Ukraine whatever it takes, for as long as it takes”.
United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken on behalf of the Government strongly condemned Russia’s horrific strikes across Ukraine on Friday. “As Putin continues his brutal war of aggression, we must support Ukraine in defending itself. Congress needs to act in the new year.
“Ukrainians have done what no one thought was possible: stood toe to toe with one of the biggest militaries, conceded no territory, and they pushed Russia’s navy back in the Black Sea and opened a corridor to allow them to export grain and other products to the world”, he said.
Meanwhile, delivery of a new package of sophisticated air defence missiles for Ukraine commenced, rounding off landmark year for the UK’s support for Ukraine having been the first country to provide modern Western tanks, as well as long-range precision strike capability.
This was announced by the British Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps on Friday, adding that this delivery came as Russia continues its assault on Ukraine, with hundreds of drones and missiles believed to have been launched overnight on cities including Kyiv, Lviv and Odesa.
Also, this package of around 200 air defence missiles will re-supply UK-developed air defence systems provided to Ukraine in late 2022, topping up Ukraine’s crucial defence capability to protect their citizens, front line, and critical national infrastructure from Russian bombing and one-way attack drones.
Reacting to this, the Defence Secretary said Putin’s latest wave of murderous airstrikes are a desperate and futile attempt to regain momentum after the catastrophic loss of hundreds of thousands of conscripts and ahead of the humiliation of his three-day war entering a third calendar year.
Snapps added, “We continue to stand by Ukraine’s defence, which is why today we are sending hundreds of air defence missiles to restock British gifted air defence systems capable of striking down Russian drones and missiles with incredible accuracy.
“Putin is testing Ukraine’s defences and the West’s resolve, hoping that he can clutch victory from the jaws of defeat. But he is wrong. Ukraine’s degradation of the Russian Black Sea fleet has proven it is still in this fight to win. The package sends undeniable message, in the face of Russian barbarity that UK remains absolutely committed to supporting Ukraine”.
UK military support to Ukraine has seen a total commitment of £4.6bn, with the £2.3bn set aside for FY23/24 covering up until the end of the financial year. The Prime Minister has expressed his intent to continue support for Ukraine in 2024.