Dozens Injured in Overnight Missile Strikes on Kyiv
Multiple injuries have been reported, including six children, after a series of Russian missile strikes targeted Kyiv, with Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirming 53 casualties. The assault damaged kindergartens and a hospital, although 10 ballistic missiles were intercepted by Ukrainian forces.
The attacks occurred as President Zelensky returned from advocating for more US military aid - an effort that saw limited traction among some US lawmakers. EU leaders are slated to consider further assistance to Ukraine, with a promise by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to strengthen Ukraine's defenses.
President Zelensky condemned the nighttime strikes, denouncing Russia for targeting civilians and essential infrastructure amidst winter. He vowed a response on social media.
The missile offensive began early Wednesday morning, marking the second such event in the capital this week after a 79-day lull. Kyiv had lately faced drone attacks but avoided missiles until last week. Ukraine's air force shot down all 10 missiles, thought to be Iskander-M and S-400 projectiles, aimed at Kyiv, while some residents suffered property damage.
Mykhailo Podolyak, a presidential advisor, criticized the use of ballistic missiles, stating they give victims little chance to seek shelter.
Ukraine also grappled with its largest cyberattack since the Russian invasion on its main mobile network operator, Kyivstar, potentially disrupting crucial raid alerts for millions.
Odesa experienced drone strikes that led to a few injuries and infrastructure damage. In diplomatic moves, President Zelensky made an unannounced visit to Norway to negotiate defense support, after an unsuccessful attempt to secure more US military aid. President Biden has cautioned that withholding aid could be advantageous to Russia.
Zelensky confirmed plans to bolster Ukraine's air defense systems after his US visit, emphasizing the lifesaving importance of every additional system and missile. While Ukraine seeks a timeline for EU accession talks, Hungarian PM Viktor Orban opposes this move, insisting it's against Hungary's national interest and arguing for alternative support to Ukraine without membership.
The EU is poised to release €10bn in funds to Hungary amid debates, with President von der Leyen declaring Ukraine's integration into the EU as its ultimate triumph. Orban's resistance, including softening sanctions against Russia, has led to tensions within the EU.
President Zelensky condemned the nighttime strikes, denouncing Russia for targeting civilians and essential infrastructure amidst winter. He vowed a response on social media.
The missile offensive began early Wednesday morning, marking the second such event in the capital this week after a 79-day lull. Kyiv had lately faced drone attacks but avoided missiles until last week. Ukraine's air force shot down all 10 missiles, thought to be Iskander-M and S-400 projectiles, aimed at Kyiv, while some residents suffered property damage.
Mykhailo Podolyak, a presidential advisor, criticized the use of ballistic missiles, stating they give victims little chance to seek shelter.
Ukraine also grappled with its largest cyberattack since the Russian invasion on its main mobile network operator, Kyivstar, potentially disrupting crucial raid alerts for millions.
Odesa experienced drone strikes that led to a few injuries and infrastructure damage. In diplomatic moves, President Zelensky made an unannounced visit to Norway to negotiate defense support, after an unsuccessful attempt to secure more US military aid. President Biden has cautioned that withholding aid could be advantageous to Russia.
Zelensky confirmed plans to bolster Ukraine's air defense systems after his US visit, emphasizing the lifesaving importance of every additional system and missile. While Ukraine seeks a timeline for EU accession talks, Hungarian PM Viktor Orban opposes this move, insisting it's against Hungary's national interest and arguing for alternative support to Ukraine without membership.
The EU is poised to release €10bn in funds to Hungary amid debates, with President von der Leyen declaring Ukraine's integration into the EU as its ultimate triumph. Orban's resistance, including softening sanctions against Russia, has led to tensions within the EU.
