Ukrainian Defence Minister, Rustem Umerov has accused Russia of intentionally hitting civilian settlements with missiles.
This came as Russia launched attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv.
Announcing the “massive air assault” against Ukraine, Umerov noted on X, “The enemy combined multiple types of missiles and used complex flight trajectories.”
He called it a very dangerous attack that killed and injured innocent people, damaged power lines and gas pipeline, and interrupted water supply.
“The terrorist-state is deliberately targeting critical infrastructure and residential neighborhoods, proving Russia will not stop its aggression until we make it stop,” he said.
According to Ukrainian officials, five people in Kyiv and the northeastern city of Kharkiv were killed by the Russian attacks and nearly 100 were injured,.
Kyiv Mayor, Vitali Klitschko said that an elderly woman died in an ambulance after being wounded.
In Kharkiv, a 91-year-old woman was killed in a missile attack that left a metres-deep crater near damaged residential buildings, Oleh Synehubov, Kharkiv’s regional governor, said.
The volley of missiles was preceded by a drone attack that Ukraine repelled hours earlier.
EU ambassador to Kyiv, Katarina Mathernova also posted on X, “Ukraine has felt victim to another savage Russian attack today. Capital Kyiv & Kharkiv pummelled by RU missiles & drones. Civilians injured & killed, infrastructure destroyed.”
Meanwhile, Russia announced that it successfully achieved its objectives after the spate of missile and drone attacks in Ukraine.
The Russian defence ministry said that its attacks hit Ukrainian military-industrial facilities, as well as depots storing missiles and munitions.
“The goal of the strike has been achieved, all the targets have been hit,” it said.
Nonetheless, British Ambassador to Ukraine, Martin Harris noted on X that Russia’s strikes only strengthens Ukrainians’ resolve to defend their land.
“Russians brought more death and destruction to Ukraine in this holiday season, with another mass missile attack on peaceful civilians this morning. When will they understand that this only strengthens Ukrainians’ resolve to defend their land and freedom? UK stands with Ukraine.”
Martin Harris
Reacting to the Russian attacks, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba called on partners to send more weapons.
He said that Ukraine is counting on its partners to send advanced weaponry and further sanction Russia.
Kuleba stated that Ukraine urgently needs more air defence systems and ammunition, combat drones and long-range missiles.
Zelenskyy Pledges Repurcussions For Attacks
Writing on X, Zelenskyy thanked the country’s air defence personnel for helping save more lives from being lost, saying he will continue working with Ukraine’s global allies to “hold Russia accountable.”
“The terrorist state must feel the repercussions of its actions,” wrote Zelenskyy.
Ukraine’s National Security Council Secretary also promised that the country will continue fighting until it fully “avenges” Russia’s attacks.
“We have fought – and we will continue to fight – no matter how many missiles fly in our sky,” wrote Oleksiy Danilov on Facebook.
“No force can stop us until all 513 killed Ukrainian children, fallen defenders and every innocent tortured Ukrainian soul are avenged.
“We promise a hundred-fold return!”
Oleksiy Danilov
Danilov also pleaded with Ukraine’s allies to provide it with new weapons supplies saying only “systematic, consistent, and methodical destruction of Putin’s fascist entity” could guarantee Ukraine’s security.
Moreover, the U.S Ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink urged renewed support for Kyiv.
She said, “Putin is ringing in 2024 by launching missiles at Kyiv and around the country as millions of Ukrainians again take shelter in freezing temps.”
“It’s urgent and critical that we support Ukraine now – to stop Putin here,” Brink added.
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