Russian Missiles Strike Ukraine’s Major Cities, Causing Widespread Damage
News from the source of Reader Wall reports that the two largest cities in Ukraine were the targets of Russian missile strikes early on Tuesday. There were at least five casualties and numerous buildings were damaged as a result of the attacks which unfolded amidst Moscow’s rejection of any peace deal suggested by Kyiv and its Western allies to conclude the almost two-year long war.
Details of the Devastating Attack
More than 40 of various types of missiles including ballistic, cruise, anti-aircraft and guided missiles were reportedly used in the Russian onslaught. Ukraine’s air force purportedly intercepted 21 of these. Furthermore, Vitalii Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv, reported that at least 20 people in four districts of the capital were injured in the attack, one of whom was a 13-year-old boy.
Repercussions in Kharkiv
In Kharkiv in northeast Ukraine, the onslaught caused an estimated five fatalities and injured 48. Among the wounded were four minors. It was reported that approximately 30 residential buildings were damaged by the strikes, and hundreds of apartment windows were scattered. The missiles used in the attacks were specified as S-300, Kh-32 and hypersonic Iskander missiles. A whole section of a multi-story residential building in the city was reportedly destroyed in the attack, trapping an unknowable number of residents within the debris.
Ground Situation Unchanged, But Tension High
Despite these heavy missile strikes, the 1,500-kilometre front line has seen no significant advances from either side. Barbed exchanges of trench and artillery warfare continue as neither appreciably overpowers the other on the ground. Analysts have suggested that these missiles stockpiled by Kremlin’s forces will be used for a winter campaign of aerial bombardment. Russia’s Foreign Minister dismissed any peace plan endorsed by Ukraine supporters at a recent U.N. meeting.
Moscow Blames Ukraine for the Attack
Despite the attacks being attributed to Russia, Moscow-installed officials in eastern Ukraine claimed that Ukrainian shelling was responsible for causing 27 fatalities on the outskirts of Russian-occupied Donetsk. However, this accusation was denied by the Ukrainian military. Ongoing aggression keeps the Ukrainian civilians in a state of constant fear.
International Outrage and likely NATO Assistance
A potential $1.2-billion contract to manufacture tens of thousands of artillery rounds was among the assistance promised by NATO. The contract will enable the replenishment of the waning stocks of its member countries and provide more ammunition for Ukraine. Poland’s Prime Minister was the most recent foreign leader to pledge aid to Ukraine, which includes weapon loans and a commitment to explore joint manufacturing.
Support from Western Allies and US Aid
Ukraine’s allies have been vocal about their commitment to the country’s long-term defence. High-ranking officials, including British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and France’s Foreign Minister, have visited Kyiv in recent times. However, Ukraine’s main supplier, the United States, is currently unable to send Ukraine any ammunition or weapons, pending a potential budget approval from Congress towards Ukraine’s fight.
Other Attacks Across Ukraine
Moreover, several other Ukrainian regions were attacked on Tuesday. Pavlohrad in the eastern Dnipropetrovsk region and Balakliia in the Kharkiv region were targeted. In the former, a 43-year-old woman was killed and two schools along with eight high-rise buildings were damaged. In Balakliia, an old man and woman had to be rescued from a demolished house. Beryslav in the south was attacked by Russian drones, causing the death of a 69-year-old biker.
