Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a plea to the West for additional air defence systems following a series of deadly Russian strikes.
The recent attacks resulted in the loss of at least six lives, including that of a three-year-old child. The southern port city of Odesa bore the brunt of the overnight aerial bombardments, with four casualties reported.
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In addition, one person was killed in the Kharkiv region near the Russian border, and another in the southern frontline Kherson region.
Expressing his concern, President Zelensky took to social media to highlight the ongoing targeting of civilians by Russia.
He emphasised the urgent need for increased air defences from international partners in order to strengthen Ukraine’s air shield and protect its people from further Russian aggression. Zelensky stressed that more air defence systems and missiles would save lives.
Ukraine currently finds itself at a disadvantage in the two-year war, as a crucial $60 billion aid package remains held up in the United States Congress.
The devastating impact of the recent attacks was evident in Odesa, where a nine-story building was destroyed by Russian terrorists. Disturbing footage showed the collapsed floors and the ripped-off facade of the residential building. The Kharkiv region also suffered a loss, with a 76-year-old man killed in a shelling attack.
In response to the attacks, Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia had launched 17 Iranian “Shahed” drones and fired three missiles.
Although 14 of the drones were successfully downed, falling debris caused damage to residential buildings in Odesa and Kharkiv. Notably, Kyiv appeared to have retaliated with its own drone attack, damaging a residential building in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
These recent events highlight Russia’s continued push to gain an advantage on the battlefield. Ukraine, facing ammunition shortages due to aid delays, has acknowledged being outgunned and outnumbered.
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The defence minister has expressed frustration over critical delays in the arrival of Western ammunition, which has cost lives and territory. Russian forces have been steadily advancing westwards, capturing Avdiivka last month and seizing several small villages in recent days.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Ukraine’s new Commander-in-Chief, Oleksandr Syrsky, visited frontline military posts and assured that the situation remains difficult but under control. However, the urgent need for additional air defence systems is crucial to ensuring the safety and protection of Ukrainian civilians in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.
