Amid an intensified assault, Russia launched a substantial attack on Kyiv and several other Ukrainian cities, unleashing a barrage of missiles and Iranian-made drones in an assault lasting approximately four hours. The strikes resulted in casualties and extensive damage to residential areas, prompting urgent appeals for support from the U.S. Ambassador and Ukrainian officials.
Photo: 6ABC
Devastating Attacks Unfold: Russian Assault Targets Ukrainian Cities
Kyiv and Kharkiv were hit by a series of attacks early Tuesday, causing widespread panic and destruction. The onslaught involved nearly a dozen ballistic missiles and around 35 Iranian-manufactured drones, resulting in casualties and injuries, as per Ukrainian officials.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed at least five fatalities and 101 injuries in the wake of Tuesday’s assaults, highlighting the devastating impact on civilian populations amidst heightened tensions.
U.S. Ambassador Bridget A. Brink condemned the attacks, denouncing Russian aggression as millions of Ukrainians sought refuge amid freezing temperatures. Urgent calls for immediate support to halt further assaults reverberated through social media amid the alarming escalation of hostilities.
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Conflicting Claims and Escalating Tensions: Accusations and Escalation of Conflict
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed the strikes targeted Ukrainian missile and drone facilities in Kyiv and its outskirts, alongside alleged depots housing Western-supplied weaponry. The ministry asserted successful target hits, exacerbating the gravity of the ongoing conflict.
Recent hostilities follow previous attacks by Russia, which accused Ukraine of a strike in Belgorod, Russia, resulting in fatalities. However, Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for the incident, contributing to heightened tensions and conflicting narratives between the nations involved.
Russian President Vladimir Putin characterized the Belgorod strike as a “terror attack” during a visit to a military hospital, escalating rhetoric amid the mounting crisis and further deepening animosities between the two countries.
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