Zelensky reports damages from Russian attacks across nine regions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reported significant casualties and infrastructural damage following a series of Russian attacks affecting nine regions. He lamented the daily toll of fatalities and injuries stemming from these brutal strikes.
On a recent evening, four individuals lost their lives due to Russian shelling in the Dnipropetrovsk region, with an additional 22 injured, including an 11-year-old girl. In Vinnytsia, a Russian drone targeted a residential building, injuring six people. Additionally, in Kharkiv, Russian forces executed a strike on a construction hypermarket, subsequently launching a cynical second attack on emergency services responding to the incident, leading to injuries among first responders.
According to Zelensky, Russian forces also targeted thermal power stations, substations, coal mines, grain storage facilities, shopping centers, and postal terminals throughout the night, causing damage across nine regions.
He stated, “This is how Russia reacts to diplomacy and de-isolation. It is crucial that support for life defenders does not diminish alongside the negotiation track. We must unlock the previously agreed supplies of interceptors to the Patriot systems. Continued support for the Ukrainian air force is essential for defense against reactive Shahed drones. Every such defensive package, especially before winter, helps save lives,” he emphasized while expressing gratitude to those who continue to assist Ukraine.
In a prior evening address, Zelensky had informed the public about the restoration of Starlink speeds for Ukraine. He reiterated the necessity of reestablishing supplies regarding political decisions, specifically mentioning the procurement of interceptors for air defense against Russian ballistic missiles.
Context
- In an interview with DW published on September 12, President Zelensky explained that during the cold season, Ukraine requires at least 100-120 Patriot missiles per month. He urged European allies to provide missiles from existing stocks to save Ukrainian lives.
- On October 15, CNN reported, citing an informed source, that Ukraine had run out of missiles for the American Patriot air defense system, rendering it more vulnerable to Russian ballistic missile attacks.
- The Kyiv Independent reported on October 19 that U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had yet to approve the transfer of a significant batch of interceptor missiles for the Patriot system, which allies had already funded. Sources indicated that Kyiv suspects Washington is intentionally delaying supplies to exert pressure on Ukraine. Austin, in a media conversation, noted that there was allegedly much misinformation about the Pentagon, asserting that the department had not changed its stance on Ukraine. However, he added that in matters such as interceptors for the Patriot air defense system, the U.S. wants to ensure that American forces also have ample supplies.
