Russia strikes cities from east to west in Ukraine ahead of key Zelenskyy meetings in US

25

In the early hours of Thursday, Russia initiated a substantial wave of missile strikes and artillery bombardments on cities throughout Ukraine. These attacks resulted in destructive fires, loss of life, and individuals trapped beneath the debris of demolished structures. The assault unfolded against the backdrop of Poland’s decision to cease the provision of weapons to its Ukrainian ally amid an ongoing trade dispute.

Remarkably, this barrage of missile strikes coincided with the International Day of Peace, marking Russia’s most significant military operation in Ukraine in over a month. Concurrently, global leaders convened at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. During his address there, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vehemently condemned Russia, labeling it as a “terrorist state.”

President Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington on the same day held considerable importance, with a pivotal $24 billion aid package hanging in the balance. It is worth noting that Poland, a staunch supporter of Ukraine, declared its cessation of weapon transfers to its neighbor. This decision was attributed to Poland’s efforts to modernize its military forces and was not directly connected to the ongoing dispute regarding a temporary ban on Ukrainian grain imports.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki emphasized that this policy shift would not affect NATO and U.S. weapons deliveries through Poland, assuring the continued support for regional security. Furthermore, he underscored Poland’s commitment to safeguarding its economic interests while reaffirming that the grain import disagreement would not compromise Ukraine’s security. Poland, in the past, had supplied significant quantities of older weaponry to Ukraine while simultaneously upgrading its own arsenal through acquisitions from countries like South Korea.

The repercussions of these attacks were felt across Ukraine as air raid sirens blared repeatedly. Russia unleashed a barrage of missiles and, in closer proximity to the front lines, likely employed shorter-range artillery to bombard the southern city of Kherson, resulting in casualties. Kyiv also experienced injuries and structural damage as missiles shattered windows and ignited fires, leaving wreckage strewn about.

Amid this turmoil, the sentiments of ordinary Ukrainians were palpable. Marharyta Moldokova, a resident of Kyiv, expressed her frustration and condemnation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Students at the National Academy of Statistics, Accounting, and Audit in Kyiv recounted their harrowing experiences as they witnessed the destruction of their educational institution.

The Ukrainian Air Force reported successfully intercepting a significant portion of the cruise missiles launched into the country. Meanwhile, Kharkiv, situated closer to the conflict’s epicenter, faced strikes involving S-300 missiles. Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed to have targeted Ukrainian arms facilities and radio-technical intelligence centers with precision-guided weaponry and drones, asserting the successful achievement of their objectives.

Concurrently, civilian infrastructure in the Slobidskyi district of Kharkiv sustained damage, leading to injuries, while an industrial zone in Lviv in western Ukraine suffered structural harm and ignited a fire. Details on casualties from these incidents were pending at the time of this report.

Additionally, Ukrainian armed forces acknowledged their attack on a military airport near the Russian-annexed Crimea. Russia reported the downing of 22 drones overnight, but no information regarding casualties was provided.

This series of events underscores the intensifying conflict in Ukraine, resulting in a grave humanitarian crisis and increased international concern. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Keyword: Ukraine-Russia Conflict

More about Keyword: Ukraine-Russia Conflict

• Russia-Ukraine Conflict: What You Need to Know
• Ukraine Conflict: A Brief Overview
• United Nations General Assembly
• Poland’s Decision on Weapons Transfers to Ukraine
• Impact of Missile Strikes on Ukrainian Cities
• Ukrainian Response to Missile Strikes