Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has issued a plea to western partners to step up their assistance.
This came after Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine.
Zelenskyy described it as “one of the largest attacks – a combined strike, involving over a hundred missiles of various types and around a hundred ‘Shaheds.’”
He disclosed that the attack targeted critical civilian infrastructure and the energy sector sustained significant damage
“It is crucial that our partners uphold the commitments we’ve made together, in particular regarding air defense systems, missiles for them,” Zelenskyy noted in a post on X.
“And beyond that, we must finally unite in our efforts to shoot down Russian missiles and drones,” he added.
“Across Ukraine, we could do much more to protect lives if the aviation of our European neighbors operated in concert with our F-16s and air defense systems. If such unity has proven effective in the Middle East, it must work in Europe too.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
According to Zelenskyy, Russian President, Vladimir Putin can only act within the limits the world sets for him.
“Every leader, every one of our partners, knows the decisive actions required to end this war justly,” he stated.
The Ukrainian leader also stressed that his country cannot be constrained in its long-range capabilities when “the terrorists face no such limitations.”
“Our defenders cannot be restricted in their weapons when Russia deploys its entire arsenal, including “Shaheds” and ballistic missiles from North Korea.
“America, Britain, France, and our other partners have the power to help us stop this terror. The time for decisive action is now.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Ukrainian Prime Minister, Denys Shmyhal revealed that “15 regions were affected” by the Russian missile and drone attacks.
“There are wounded and dead,” he said, noting that energy infrastructure has been impacted and Ukrenergo is applying emergency power cuts to stabilise the system.
He also reiterated Kyiv’s call for long-range weapons and permission from partners to hit Russian targets.
Additionally, a Ukraine foreign ministry official, Andriy Sybiha called for global action and said the strike amounted to a war crime.
Kuleba Calls On Partners To Allow Long-range Strikes
Moreover, Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba called on Kyiv’s allies to allow Long-range Strikes.
“There are two specific decisions that our partners can make to help us put an end to Russian terror sooner,” he noted.
“First, affirming Ukraine’s long-range strikes on all legitimate military targets on Russian territory. Second, agreeing to use partners’ air defense capabilities to shoot down missiles and drones close to their airspace.”
Dmytro Kuleba
“None of these decisions are escalatory. To the contrary, they will deter Russia, help to reduce terror and the number of Russian attacks, as well as the resulting casualties,” he added.
“Act now, not later. Help us save lives,” he stressed.
Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the Ukrainian presidential office, also called for “more anti-missile equipment for Ukraine.”
“If anyone is still willing to talk to the collective entity ‘Putin’, it means that such attacks are acceptable in international law and can go unpunished. This means that the Russian federation will periodically resort to this type of ‘foreign policy.’
“And vice versa, if you want to get a guaranteed legal field, then you need, first of all, more anti-missile equipment for Ukraine in order to raise the index of shooting down Russian missiles to a prohibitive level and thus finally nullify the potential of Russian strategic aviation.”
Mykhailo Podolyak
“And secondly, finalize restrictive sanctions so that #Russia will not be able to reproduce ballistics, hypersonic and cruise missiles,” he added.
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