Russian strikes cause devastation across Ukraine, international outcry, support follow

Rescuers worked tirelessly to search through the rubble in the aftermath of a deadly series of Russian strikes that swept across Ukraine. The capital city, Kyiv, bore the brunt of the assault, with 16 people killed in what Ukrainian officials describe as one of the fiercest attacks since the war’s early days.

Schools, a maternity hospital, shopping arcades, and residential buildings were among the structures hit during the barrage on Friday. Ukrainian officials reported casualties and extensive damage, prompting international condemnation. The attacks, which included a Russian missile passing through Polish airspace, led to renewed promises of military support for Ukraine, which has been resisting Russian invasion since late February 2022.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the death toll in the capital, declaring January 1 as a day of mourning. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated, “Today, Russia hit us with almost everything it has in its arsenal.”

Ukraine’s military estimated that Russia launched a record-breaking 158 missiles and drones, with 114 of them successfully intercepted. Air force spokesman Yuriy Ignat described it as the “most massive missile attack” of the war, excluding the early days of constant bombardment.

Russia attempted to overwhelm Ukraine’s air defenses across major cities, utilizing Shahed attack drones and a variety of missiles. Interior Minister Igor Klymenko reported at least 30 people killed and over 160 wounded during the massive attack on Ukrainian territory.

International response was swift, with the United Nations condemning the assaults and calling for an immediate halt. Poland reported a Russian missile entering its airspace, leading NATO to express solidarity with Poland. In the face of sustained Russian assaults, Ukraine urged Western allies to provide more military support.

U.S. President Joe Biden called on Congress to approve new aid for Ukraine, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Britain announced sending additional air defense missiles to Kyiv, reinforcing their commitment to stand with Ukraine.

The strikes targeted multiple Ukrainian regions, causing severe damage to a maternity hospital in Dnipro and impacting cities such as Kharkiv, Lviv, Dnipro, and Odesa. The devastating attacks left numerous casualties and prompted urgent appeals for increased international support to counter the ongoing terror.