The massive airstrike launched by Russia against Ukraine demonstrates that Kyiv is in critical need of additional defensive capabilities.
On Friday, Ukrainian cities faced a barrage of Russian strikes employing various missiles and drones, marking one of the most extensive and intense bombardments in recent months. Ukrainian officials stated that the broadside underscores the country’s ongoing struggle to secure increased support from international partners, as civilian areas across the nation suffered severe damage.
Russia reportedly targeted Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Odessa, and Lviv, resulting in at least 12 fatalities and 75 injuries.
In recent weeks, as the front line became mired in trench warfare, Russia reverted to its strategy from the previous winter, targeting infrastructure, particularly energy and heating systems. This caused millions of Ukrainians to struggle for warmth.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal asserted that critical infrastructure was the target of Friday’s assault. According to the energy ministry, four regions in northern and southern Ukraine were experiencing power outages.
Numerous civilian targets, including residential structures, were struck by missiles and drones. Falling debris ignited fires in a warehouse and a residential building in Kyiv, with explosions reported in Lviv.
Russian Attacks Escalate: Kyiv’s Appeal for Western Support
A shelter-purposed metro station building in Kyiv sustained damage, according to Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko. In Kharkiv, Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported 22 Russian strikes damaging residential structures, an industrial facility, and a hospital.
According to Al Jazeera’s Assed Baig, four regions in Kyiv were affected. The mayor of Dnipro has informed us that there are fatalities and injuries, and that rescue teams are currently at work.” Two sites were damaged in Lviv, where rescue teams are once more assessing the situation.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine experienced the highest number of 110 drones and missiles launched overnight in a single night. Later, the air force disclosed that it had destroyed 114 out of 158 missiles and drones.
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A successful Ukrainian strike on a Russian warship in Crimea earlier this week has been linked to the increase in Russian attacks.
Kyiv seized the opportunity to emphasize the critical necessity for heightened assistance from its Western allies. The attacks utilized hypersonic, cruise, and ballistic missiles, including the difficult-to-intercept X-22 type.
President Zelenskyy thanked the United States for releasing the final package of armaments under Ukraine’s current authorization. However, uncertainty surrounds additional aid, facing opposition from right-wing Republicans in the U.S. and obstacles from Hungary in the European Union.
Zelenskyy maintains his call for increased Western support, emphasizing the need to respond to ongoing Russian aggression.
