Dhe latest wave of Russian attacks has once again killed several people in Ukraine and cut off power and water supplies in some places. Nevertheless, President Volodymyr Zelenskyj celebrated the success of the air defense against the large number of Russian cruise missiles on Monday: “Every Russian missile launched is concrete proof that terror can be defeated,” he said in his daily video address. According to their own statements, the air defense had shot down around 60 of around 70 cruise missiles. Nevertheless, there were several hits. “Unfortunately, there are victims,” said Zelenskyj. Four people were killed.
Zelenskyy noted that Russia’s new wave of attacks will coincide with the anniversary of the signing of the Budapest Memorandum. In the document signed on December 5, 1994, Russia, Great Britain and the United States had jointly given Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan security guarantees for their renunciation of all Soviet-era nuclear weapons on their territories. Among other things, the signatories pledged to respect the sovereignty and existing borders of the three ex-Soviet republics. Russia, which annexed Crimea in 2014, launched a war of aggression against Ukraine on February 24 and occupies part of the country.
Zelenskyy said disregarding the historical document provides answers to many of today’s questions about Russia. “Just sign something with these terrorists – there will be no peace. Just make an agreement with them – they will definitely break it.”
Ukraine: Russia fires around 70 cruise missiles
According to the Ukrainian air defense, the Russian military used almost 70 cruise missiles in the new major attack on Monday. A large part had been shot down by strategic bombers from a great distance, for example over the Caspian Sea, according to the message distributed on Telegram. 22 guided missiles of the “Kalibr” type were fired from ships in the Black Sea.
The Ukrainian air defense repelled most of the attacks. “In total, more than 60 rockets from the invaders were shot down,” it said. The information could not be verified. US Ambassador to Kyiv Bridget Brink paid tribute to Ukraine’s air defenses. “Today and every day, great respect for Ukrainian air defenses,” she tweeted in English and Ukrainian that evening.