Defense Against Russian Airstrikes Feasible (According to Selenskyj)
In a recent bombing attack on Kharkiv, an eastern Ukrainian city, multiple casualties and injuries were reported. According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the number of air-to-ground bomb attacks on Ukraine alone since early June is over two thousand.
After the latest attack on Kharkiv, Zelenskyy pleaded for urgent Western aid to bolster Ukraine's air defense. The Ukrainian president already received capabilities to target Russian support bases and occupying troops, but a disturbing 2,400 attacks, with 700 focused on the Kharkiv region, were recorded since early June.
During his address, Zelenskyy lamented the bombing of a residential building in Kharkiv, close to a bus stop, which resulted in three deaths and many injuries due to Russian aggression. Officials confirmed 56 injured in the aftermath.
Requests for Patriots and F-16s
Zelenskyy emphasized the need for Western decision-making to enhance Ukraine's air defense. Repeatedly, he made appeals for more US-type Patriot systems. He believes these systems would improve the defense of cities and communities and protect civilians effectively. Ukraine acknowledges all approved military aid, but it requires immediate and full support.
"The decrease in Russian rocket attacks against Kharkiv and the region demonstrates that it is indeed feasible to shield our cities and communities from Russian bombs," Zelenskyy said. Besides Patriot systems, Ukraine also seeks quicker F-16 fighter jet pilot training and a broader arsenal of weapons. The country anticipates the arrival of F-16 combat jets this summer.
Ukraine has been combatting Russian aggression for over two years with assistance from Western allies. The aim of the country is to regain control of its airspace through better air defense systems.
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