Russia launches nearly 500 drones and 40 missiles at Ukraine – Zelensky
Russian forces have been carrying out another massive attack on Ukraine since overnight, deploying nearly 500 drones and about 40 missiles, including Kinzhal missiles. The primary target was Kyiv, specifically energy and civilian infrastructure.
President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote about this on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.
“Another Russian attack is still ongoing: since last night, there have been almost 500 drones – a large number of Shaheds – as well as 40 missiles, including Kinzhals. The primary target is Kyiv – energy facilities and civilian infrastructure,” he said.
The President noted that, unfortunately, there have been direct hits and damage to ordinary residential buildings.
“Rescuers are searching for a person trapped under the rubble of one of them. In some districts of the capital and the region, electricity and heating are currently unavailable. Firefighting efforts are underway,” Zelensky informed.
According to him, repair crews have already begun work at some energy facilities, while at others, personnel remain in shelters. Rescuers and repair teams will start work immediately after air raid alerts are lifted.
“There have been many questions over the past few days, so where is Russia’s response to the proposals to end the war offered by the United States and the world? Russian representatives engage in lengthy talks, but in reality, Kinzhals and “shaheds” speak for them. This is the true attitude of Putin and his inner circle. They do not want to end the war and seek to use every opportunity to cause Ukraine even greater suffering and increase their pressure on others around the world. And this means that the pressure in response is still insufficient. If Russia turns even the Christmas and New Year period into a time of destroyed homes and burned apartments, of ruined power plants, then this sick activity can only be responded to with truly strong steps. The United States has this capability. Europe has this capability. Many of our partners have this capability. The key is to use it,” the President stressed.
Also, he emphasized the importance of continuing to support Ukraine’s defense and the protection of life.
“Supplies for air defense must be sufficient and timely, especially now, when we need them most. There must be no delays in protecting lives,” Zelensky underscored.
The President thanked every leader of partner countries who are assisting with weapons and air defense supplies, and added that Ukraine will not reduce its diplomatic activity.
“But diplomacy will not work without security. Security must be ensured by the world’s strongest powers, and we will be discussing this in particular today and tomorrow with European leaders, with the Prime Minister of Canada, and with the President of the United States,” he emphasized.
As reported by Ukrinform, the number of people injured in Kyiv as a result of the Russian combined attack on December 27 has already reached 22.
Due to Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy system, users have been left without electricity in Kyiv, the Kyiv region, and the Chernihiv region. Nearly one-third of the capital is currently without heating. Power outages persist in parts of the left bank districts.
Ukrinform’s photos are available for purchase here.