Russia’s largest air assault on Ukraine results in 30 fatalities and over 160 injuries
Russia’s largest air assault on Ukraine results in 30 fatalities and over 160 injuries
Tragically, a toll of at least 30 lives lost and over 160 individuals injured was reported after Russia unleashed its most extensive missile assault on Kyiv and several other Ukrainian cities on Friday morning, as confirmed by Ukraine on Saturday.
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia employed “nearly every type of weapon in its arsenal,” targeting not only residences but also a maternity hospital.
Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson highlighted a significant improvement in Russia’s air defenses, which were overwhelmed on Friday. Russia utilized a range of missiles, including hypersonic, cruise, and ballistic missiles, making interception challenging. The spokesperson noted, “We’ve never seen so many targets hit simultaneously.”
The air force reported successfully downing 114 out of 158 missiles and drones. The intensity of destruction suggested direct hits by missiles, a departure from the earlier anticipation of damage caused mainly by falling debris.
This tragic shift indicates a heightened threat and a renewed sense of peril for the Ukrainian people.
Ukrainian Air Force Spokesperson Yuriy Ignat described this as a “record number” of missiles, marking the most extensive missile attack in the ongoing war, excluding the early days of constant bombardment.
The United Nations (UN) swiftly condemned these attacks, emphasizing the imperative need for them to cease “immediately,” as reported by AFP. UN assistant secretary-general Mohamed Khiari expressed regret, stating, “Regrettably, today’s appalling assaults were only the latest in a series of escalating attacks by the Russian Federation.”
Poland reported a concerning incident where a Russian missile reportedly traversed its airspace. Chief of the General Staff General Wieslaw Kukula stated, “Everything indicates that a Russian missile entered Polish airspace… It also left.”
In response to the sustained Russian assaults, Ukraine is urgently urging its Western allies to maintain military support.
U.S. President Joe Biden called upon Congress to overcome divisions and approve new aid for Ukraine. Washington has released its final package of weaponry under existing agreements, which still await renewal by Congress.
U.S. President Joe Biden issued a pressing call for urgent action from Congress in the new year, emphasizing that without prompt intervention, the ability to send crucial weapons and vital air defense systems to Ukraine would be jeopardized. He urged Congress to act promptly and without further delay.
Meanwhile, in a show of solidarity, Britain declared its commitment to supporting Ukraine. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that the United Kingdom would send hundreds more air-defense missiles to Kyiv, emphasizing the resolve to stand with Ukraine for as long as needed.
