Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, announced on Monday that the Russian missile attacks on Kyiv and its surrounding areas have caused significant damage, resulting in at least one death. In these attacks, 16 ballistic missiles were fired at Ukraine's energy facilities, 10 of which hit their targets, cutting off power to over 550,000 homes.
Missile Attacks and Their Consequences
Zelensky stated in a post on Telegram that these attacks were particularly focused on Ukraine's energy facilities and expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of warning from Ukraine's international partners. He wrote: "The Russian ballistic missile attacks occurred in several waves, and once again there was no early warning from our partners." These attacks included cruise missiles and drones, which collectively struck 25 locations in Ukraine. According to reports, of the 269 Shahed drones used in this nighttime assault, Ukraine's air defense managed to shoot down or suppress 243 of them, along with four missiles.
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Confirmation from the Russian Ministry of Defense
The Russian Ministry of Defense also confirmed on Monday that extensive attacks were carried out, stating that Ukraine was targeted with "precision weapons based on land and strike drones." The ministry announced that a Ukrainian data center, a logistics center storing missile and drone components, and a train depot housing missiles were targeted. Additionally, they struck a cargo ship in the Black Sea, which was reportedly carrying military and dual-use cargo.
Ukraine has not officially confirmed these targets but stated that a medical center in the capital and one of the metro stations were attacked. These nighttime attacks come amid conflicting claims from Ukraine and the United States regarding the cessation of information sharing.
Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, stated on Monday that Washington has not halted some of its information sharing and responded to Zelensky's remarks on Sunday. He said: "I don’t know where Zelensky is getting this information or why he is telling the media this. You should ask him. There has been no halt." Rubio also emphasized the need to focus on ending the war.
Ukraine is heavily reliant on U.S. intelligence capabilities to identify rapidly launched ballistic missiles. Ukrainian officials have reported that some recent attacks occurred without warning.
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