Nevertheless, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday celebrated the success of air defense against the large number of Russian cruise missiles: “Every Russian missile launched is concrete proof that terrorism can be defeated,” he said in his daily video address. According to their own statements, the air defense had shot down about 60 of about 70 cruise missiles. Still, there were several hits. “Unfortunately, there are casualties,” Selenski said. Four people were killed.
Zelensky 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, Britain and the United States had jointly given security guarantees to Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan for their renunciation of all Soviet-era nuclear weapons on their territory. The signatories pledged, among other things, to respect the sovereignty and existing borders of the three ex-Soviet republics.
Russia, which annexed Crimea in 2014, launched an offensive war against Ukraine on February 24 and occupied part of the country.
Zelenskiy said ignoring the historical document provides answers to many of today’s questions about Russia.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 a deal with them – they will surely break it.” For this reason alone, a fundamental continuation of the existing policies of the world’s “conscientious states” is necessary, Zelensky said, referring to all Ukraine’s partners and supporters. “Only the dismantling of Russian terrorist capabilities, only the liberation of our entire country and only the conviction of the murderers can bring peace,” he said.
Ukraine: Russians used about 70 cruise missiles in the attack
According to the Ukrainian air defense, the Russian army deployed nearly 70 cruise missiles in the new major strike against targets in Ukraine on Monday. A large part had been shot down from a great distance by strategic bombers, for example over the Caspian Sea, according to the message spread on Telegram. 22 guided missiles of the “Kalibr” type were fired from ships in the Black Sea.
Ukrainian air defense repelled most of the attacks. “In total, more than 60 missiles from the invaders were shot down,” it said. The information could not be verified.
US Ambassador to Kiev, Bridget Brink, paid tribute to Ukraine’s air defense. “Today and every day, great respect for the Ukrainian air defense,” she tweeted in English and Ukrainian in the evening.
But Russian missiles also reached their target, for example in the cities of Odessa and Kiev. According to reports from the state agency Unian, energy supply facilities were hit again. According to Selenski, electricity was lost in seven regions and water supplies collapsed in some places. According to Russian information, “all 17 targets mentioned were hit”.
Moscow blames Kiev for attacks on military airfields
Russia blamed Ukraine for attacks on two Russian military airports that left at least three dead. The defense ministry in Moscow said on Monday night: “On the morning of December 5, the Kiev regime attempted to attack the airfields “Dyagilyevo” in the Ryazan region and “Engels” in the Saratov region with reactive drones made by the Soviet Union. . to take out Russian long-range jets.”
Blick informs you in the live ticker about current developments in Ukraine.
According to the Russian army, three soldiers were killed and four others were taken to hospital with injuries. However, the long-range bombers were only slightly damaged, partly due to the use of anti-aircraft fire.
Kiev indirectly confirms attacks
The Ukrainian air force indirectly confirmed on Monday evening the attacks on the two Russian military airfields. Two photos of a damaged Russian bomber and a damaged truck in front of an apparently hit plane were also published on Telegram. The authenticity of the images could not be verified.
The German ambassador to the US admits mistakes in dealing with Russia
The German ambassador to the US, Emily Haber, admitted that the German government has made mistakes in its dealings with Russia in recent years. The improvement in relations with Moscow over several decades has reinforced the assumption on the German side that interdependence leads to stability, transparency and ultimately systemic change, Haber wrote in a guest article for the Washington Post on Monday.
That turned out not to be true. “We have ignored warning signs to the contrary and have not taken criticism from our allies and partners as seriously as we should, particularly regarding the geopolitical implications of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.”
(SDA)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
