Explosions in Kyiv
Massive attacks on several Ukrainian cities
December 29, 2023, 8:01 a.m
Russia is again targeting major cities in Ukraine. Kiev, Lviv and Kharkiv became the target of missile and drone attacks in two waves. Experts warn against Russian tactics to attack energy supplies again.
Russia massively attacked neighboring Ukraine with drones and cruise missiles overnight and again on Friday morning. Ukrainian media reported that there was severe damage across the country. In the western city of Lviv, for example, an infrastructure object was hit in a drone attack.
In Odessa, southern Ukraine, there was a high-rise building fire caused by debris from a downed drone. There were several explosions following rocket attacks in northeastern Kharkiv. Anti-aircraft defense also had to take action in the capital Kiev in the morning. It was initially unclear whether there were any deaths as a result of the attacks. During the night, Russia had attacked Ukraine from several directions with drones and missiles. Lviv was attacked by more than ten Shahed kamikaze drones, Mayor Andriy Sadowyj said on Telegram. There are said to have been several impacts.
In the Sumy region, three people were injured and an apartment building and a workshop were damaged when a rocket hit the town of Konotop. More than ten rockets also fell in Kharkiv during the night. Initially there was no official information about injuries. The extent of the damage must be checked, it said.
The second wave of air strikes followed in the morning. Air alerts were raised across the country because of the attacks. The Ukrainians were asked to go to air raid shelters. The capital Kiev and the industrial city of Dnipro were also targeted by the Russians. Explosions were reported in both megacities. It was initially unclear whether these were impacts from Russian missiles or whether they were shot down by anti-aircraft defenses. In the capital, a building caught fire due to falling debris.
Russia launched its war of aggression against Ukraine more than 22 months ago and has repeatedly bombarded civilian targets far behind the front. Last winter, energy supply facilities in particular were the target of Russian attacks. Experts warn against a repeat of this tactic this winter. Moscow’s goal is to plunge Ukrainians into cold and darkness in order to increase war fatigue. Attacks on civilian objects are considered war crimes.
Zelenskyj calls for a fight against Russia in 2024
The previous evening, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj had emphatically called on the international community to fight together against Russia’s aggression in view of the uncertain military aid for the next year. “Russian terror must be defeated. Terror must always fail. And all of us in the free world must ensure this together,” said Zelensky in his video address shortly before the end of the year. Everything must be done to ensure that everyone shows “strength together” in the coming year. Zelenskyj thanked Pope Francis for his wishes for peace in Ukraine and the USA for a new military aid package.
The United States delivered new anti-aircraft missiles, Himars cruise missiles, 155 and 105 millimeter artillery ammunition and additional armored vehicles. “Everything we need,” said Zelensky. The Ukrainian military repeatedly emphasizes that it needs much more ammunition to defend itself against the Russian war of aggression that has been ongoing for more than 22 months. The Western allies sometimes have delivery problems.