President Volodymyr Zelensky said that after Russia’s massive attack on Kyiv, supplying Ukraine with air defense systems is an urgent and critical priority.
According to Zelensky, emergency crews are still dealing with the aftermath of the Russian strike in Kyiv. Rescuers are clearing rubble, searching for people and providing assistance to those injured.
Damage was recorded at more than 20 locations across the capital. Most of the sites are ordinary residential buildings. An ambulance station, a research institute, a hotel and businesses were also damaged.
As of now, 13 people are known to have been killed in the Russian attack on Kyiv. Zelensky expressed condolences to their families and loved ones.
More than 90 people were injured. The president said everyone who needs assistance is receiving the necessary help.
Five people were also injured in Kharkiv region, including a child. Two more people were injured in Kyiv region, where Russian strikes also targeted civilian infrastructure.
Russia also attacked Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia and Cherkasy regions overnight.
According to Zelensky, Russia launched more than 70 missiles of various types at Ukraine overnight, almost half of them ballistic, as well as nearly 500 attack drones, including jet-powered Shaheds.
The main strike was directed at Kyiv. Ukrainian air defenders managed to shoot down a significant number of the incoming threats, but not all of them.
“Air defense supplies for Ukraine are an absolutely urgent and critical issue”, the president stressed.
Zelensky said contributions to the PURL program are important because it “directly works to save lives”.
He also emphasized that every bilateral agreement with partners on air defense genuinely helps Ukraine.
Separately, Zelensky stressed the importance of implementing agreements on the production of anti-ballistic systems.
According to him, Ukraine is counting heavily on a US decision regarding licenses for Patriot systems and other joint work.
“This is what can stop the war and attacks like this”, the president said.
Zelensky thanked everyone who stands with Ukraine, its people and the defense of life.
