In a latest attack on Ukraine, Russia has unleashed another round of drone and missile attacks, intensifying efforts to break Ukrainian morale and erode their air-defense capabilities.
Early Tuesday morning, Russia fired 99 missiles in the second significant strike within a week, following a massive missile assault on Friday. These relentless offensives are exerting pressure on Ukraine's supply of air-defense missiles, primarily sourced from Western allies.
Ukraine's air force reported that 72 out of the 99 missiles were intercepted, mostly above Kyiv, alongside the destruction of all 35 Iranian-designed Shahed drones. The attacks resulted in at least four fatalities and over 90 injuries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, emphasizing his country's reliance on Western air-defense systems, expressed gratitude to allies for bolstering their air shield. He highlighted the vital role played by systems like the U.S.-made Patriot missiles in saving numerous lives daily from Russian aggression.
Zelensky condemned the targeting of civilian sites by Russia, whereas the Russian defense ministry claimed to have aimed at drone production facilities rather than civilian infrastructure. Additionally, they alleged a Ukrainian assault in Belgorod's border region had claimed 22 lives and reported shooting down 11 Ukrainian missiles within 24 hours.
These attacks arrive at a critical juncture for Ukraine as aid from the U.S. and the European Union remains stalled. On Tuesday, Ukraine's air force confirmed the interception of 10 Kinzhal ballistic missiles, emphasizing that only Patriot systems possess the capability to neutralize such high-speed threats. Japan's recent commitment to supply Patriot missiles to replenish U.S. stocks stands as a crucial development in this context.
Despite forecasts of missile scarcity, Russia continues its production. Ukraine's military intelligence estimates a monthly output of approximately 100 cruise missiles, four Kinzhal ultrafast ballistic missiles, and five other ballistic missiles from Russia.
President Zelensky faces the challenge of sustaining morale amidst the relentless attacks, especially as his approval ratings have dipped following unsuccessful counteroffensives last summer.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government is gearing up to enlist an additional 500,000 individuals into the military. In various cities, men are being conscripted, compelling some to remain indoors throughout the day.
The recent missile strikes caused significant damage around Kyiv, with one missile igniting a high-rise building, resulting in one fatality and 37 injuries, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
Residents, affected by the recurring attacks, express weariness but remain resolute in their stance against negotiating with Moscow, viewing any concessions as a grave mistake for their nation's history. The strikes, they assert, only reinforce their inability to engage in dialogue with the aggressor.
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