Highlights
- Zelensky urges that air defence systems “should save lives, not gather dust.”
- A Russian missile strikes Zaporizhzhia, killing four and injuring 20.
- A drone attack damages an IAEA vehicle, but no injuries are reported.
On Tuesday, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on Ukraine’s allies to send 10 to 12 additional Patriot air defense systems, which he claimed would fully safeguard Ukraine’s skies. His request followed a Russian missile strike in the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia that resulted in at least four deaths. The attack underscored the ongoing threat posed by Russian missile strikes, as Ukraine continues to battle Russian aggression.
Zelenskiy emphasized the urgency of his request, noting that the current air defense systems are not enough to protect the country from the continuous missile attacks. He argued that additional Patriot systems would greatly improve Ukraine’s ability to defend against these threats, which have become more frequent and deadly. According to Zelenskiy, these systems are crucial to shielding the nation’s civilian infrastructure and saving lives.
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has made repeated appeals to its allies for more advanced air defense technology. Zelenskiy and other Ukrainian officials have highlighted the importance of securing the skies to prevent further civilian casualties and destruction. However, the supply of such advanced systems has been limited, despite the growing need for more robust protection.
Zelenskiy’s comments in Kyiv on Tuesday reflected his frustration with the pace of assistance. He has often voiced concerns over the slow delivery of military aid and the challenges of maintaining Ukraine’s defenses against Russia’s sophisticated weaponry. The delay in receiving the necessary air defense systems has left Ukrainian cities vulnerable to Russian missile and drone strikes.
The situation in Zaporizhzhia, where the missile strike claimed multiple lives, was a stark reminder of the ongoing threat. As Russian forces continue to target Ukrainian civilian areas, the need for stronger defense capabilities has become even more urgent. Zelenskiy’s request for additional Patriots is part of a broader strategy to bolster Ukraine’s defenses and protect its people from further harm.
International allies, including the United States, have already supplied Ukraine with a range of military aid, including Patriot systems. However, Zelenskiy’s appeal highlights the fact that these contributions have not been enough to fully meet Ukraine’s defense needs. The Ukrainian president has been vocal about the continued imbalance between the scale of the threat and the assistance provided by Ukraine’s allies.
As the war drags on, Zelenskiy’s call for more air defense systems reflects the critical role that international support plays in Ukraine’s efforts to counter Russian aggression. The continued provision of advanced defense technology will be key to strengthening Ukraine’s military position and ensuring its ability to defend itself in the face of relentless Russian attacks.
“I sometimes do not get it … Everyone understands that an additional 10-12 Patriot systems for Ukraine will ensure life for us and make the war for (Russian President Vladimir) Putin meaningless,” he said after meeting European Parliament officials.
Zelenskiy urged allies to use frozen Russian funds to pay for more Patriots as Ukraine braces for another winter of Russian attacks on its devastated power system.
“Please take the money from Russian assets – it will cost 30 billion, but it will fully secure our skies,” Zelenskiy said, without specifying the currency. He made these comments just hours after a Russian missile strike in Zaporizhzhia killed four people, destroyed a private clinic, and injured 20 others, including a child. “We keep repeating that air defenses should protect lives, not just sit in storage,” he added.
‘PLEASE HELP’
In Zaporizhzhia, rescuers were digging through the rubble of a collapsed building, where at least six people were trapped, according to regional governor Ivan Fedorov on Telegram. Anna Zubchenko, a 26-year-old ophthalmologist, was in her office when the attack occurred. “The ceiling just collapsed onto my head. Another doctor was with me, and she was hit worse. After I managed to free myself, I started shouting, ‘Please help,'” Zubchenko recounted.
In the aftermath of the attack, Anna Zubchenko helped to partially dig out her colleague, who was later evacuated by rescuers. As she worked in the rubble, Zubchenko remained calm and focused, doing everything she could to assist those trapped and ensure that her colleague received medical attention. Her quick thinking and actions in such a dire situation were crucial in saving lives during the chaotic moments that followed the explosion.
Zaporizhzhia and its surrounding region have been frequent targets of Russian airstrikes in recent months. These attacks have devastated local infrastructure, causing widespread damage and loss of life. On Friday, a brutal airstrike on the city killed at least 10 people and left more than 20 others wounded. The ongoing attacks continue to take a heavy toll on both civilians and emergency responders working to help the injured.
The relentless bombardment of Zaporizhzhia and the broader region has sparked concern about the safety of residents and critical infrastructure, including hospitals and nuclear power plants. On Tuesday, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported a significant development: a drone attack had severely damaged its official vehicle as it was en route to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, located in a Russian-occupied area of the region.
Although the attack caused substantial damage to the IAEA vehicle, fortunately, no one was injured. Rafael Grossi, the agency’s director-general, assured the public that the workers involved were safe. Despite the apparent attempt to disrupt the agency’s work, Grossi emphasized that the team remained unharmed and had been able to continue their mission in the region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy quickly condemned the attack, attributing it to Russian forces. He made a statement on social media, pointing out that the strike was not an accident but a deliberate act of aggression. Zelenskiy’s comments underlined the growing tensions surrounding the safety of international organizations operating in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian president expressed his outrage, emphasizing that the attack on the IAEA vehicle demonstrated Russia’s disregard for international law and global institutions. Zelenskiy highlighted that Russia’s actions were premeditated, with the attackers fully aware of their target. He stated that this attack was just the latest example of Russia’s blatant violations of the rules governing the conduct of war and diplomacy.
As the conflict continues to escalate, the international community has been calling for accountability for Russia’s actions. The IAEA incident is only the most recent in a series of attacks on critical infrastructure, underscoring the risks faced by those working to maintain safety and stability in the region. Despite the ongoing threats, agencies like the IAEA have continued to carry out their work in the face of mounting dangers.
Russia has yet to respond to Zelenskiy’s accusations, offering no immediate comment on the drone attack or the allegations of deliberate targeting. Moscow’s silence contrasts with the swift condemnation from Kyiv, which has called attention to what it views as a clear act of aggression against both Ukraine and the international community. The lack of response has only heightened concerns over the lack of accountability for such actions.
The situation in Zaporizhzhia remains tense, as both military and civilian targets continue to be struck by Russian forces. The city has become a focal point in the ongoing war, with residents and emergency personnel braving constant threats to help one another. Local authorities, including regional governor Ivan Fedorov, have been working tirelessly to coordinate rescue and recovery efforts, even as the danger grows.
The attacks in Zaporizhzhia are not isolated incidents but part of a larger strategy by Russia to destabilize Ukraine and disrupt the functioning of international organizations within its borders. As the war drags on, the international community is left grappling with how to respond to the ongoing violations of international law and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region. The need for urgent action to protect civilians and maintain global peace has never been more pressing.
