Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is urging allies to provide more air defence systems after another wave of Russian attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. The major barrage of Russian drones, ballistic missiles and guided bombs killed at least six people and wounded dozens.
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TRANSCRIPT
Russia has bombarded Ukrainian cities with a barrage of ballistic missiles, drones and guided bombs in a wave of attacks that once again highlights Ukraine's need for stronger air defences.
The overnight attacks on Kyiv and other cities killed at least six people and wounded dozens more, continuing for hours as explosions rang through the country.
The Ukrainian air force says Russia launched 41 missiles and 125 drones across Ukraine, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy saying the capital was Russia's main target.
UKRAINIAN THEN ENGLISH VO: “Today was one of the largest attacks carried out with ballistic missiles. Kyiv and the surrounding region were the Russians’ primary target, they had been preparing this attack for several days, stockpiling missiles. Of course, the danger remains even now, and this must be taken into account. Russia is placing its bets on ballistic missiles, and it is because of them that Putin still believes in his war.”
Moscow has escalated its use of ballistic missiles in recent weeks as it attempts to cut off Ukrainian strikes on oil facilities that are causing fuel shortages for both Russia's military and civilian population.
United States President Donald Trump has said he is prepared to grant Ukraine license to produce US Patriot air defence systems, which are the most effective means of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles.
The timeline and details of this agreement, however, remain unclear.
President Zelenskyy says Ukraine's allies must realise how crucial these systems are.
UKRAINIAN THEN ENGLISH VO: "Our air defense forces and all sky defenders managed to shoot down eighteen missiles today and neutralize more than a hundred drones. It is very important that our partners understand what is happening and that we need air defence missiles to protect life literally every day."
As well as strikes on Kyiv, Russian attacks on a postal facility near Ukraine's second largest city of Kharkiv killed three people and wounded at least 20.
Head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, Oleg Synyegubov, says a search is still underway for more possible victims.
UKRAINIAN THEN ENGLISH VO: "The damage is still quite serious. The terminal has been destroyed for now. However, of course, people are still the first priority. Therefore, we now have to go around the entire territory, examine it in order to possibly identify people who have still been injured."
The cities of Kherson and Sumy were also hit by Russian guided bombs, and drone attacks in Zaporizhzhia hit a residential building.
Aleksandr, a rescue volunteer in Zaporizhzhia, says two people are believed to be under the rubble.
"The rescue operation is ongoing. According to preliminary information, one woman is stuck under a concrete block. And a girl, around ten years old, is also under the rubble. All services are working, we're taking turns. It's very dangerous because the blocks are hanging on very thin fittings."
The Russian Defence Ministry says it shot down 140 Ukrainian drones overnight into Sunday, but did not specify how many were launched or reached their target.
Russian President Vladimir Putin meanwhile met with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui.
North Korea has sent troops to Russia and supplied weapons to support its war on Ukraine, with Choe Son Hui pledging to continue their support.
"The Democratic People's Republic of Korea will continue to unwaveringly support all of Russia's efforts aimed at upholding its sovereignty, security interests, and territorial integrity, and at eliminating the root causes of the crisis in Ukraine."
