Ukraine experiences heightened tension: Russian rockets and drone assaults target Kiev.
Rocket assaults have targeted Kiev from the south on multiple occasions, as per a statement made by the Kiev military administration through Telegram. Similarly, attack drones allegedly originated from this same region and headed towards the capital. Reporters from AFP, who were present in Kiev, confirmed the occurrence of at least one explosion.
Ukrainian air defense reported that they successfully shot down all 24 drones and five out of the six rockets launched. Consequently, debris from these incoming objects started a fire in Kiev, causing one injury. Meanwhile, in another incident related to drones, three individuals got wounded in Dnipropetrovsk, including a 13-year-old boy per reports from the General Prosecutor's Office. In yet another attack, an energy facility in Sumy's eastern region sustained damage, as disclosed by Ukrenergo, the region's energy supplier.
Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian President, asserted the interception of the drones and most of the rockets a significant achievement, making it a "daily success" if adequate resources are available to safeguard human lives. He appreciatively acknowledged the support received from allies working by their side to enhance their resistance against daily battles for survival.
Zelensky pleaded for more aid in air defense during the Ukraine reconstruction conference in Berlin on Tuesday. The German Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius, committed to delivering 100 more Patriot missiles to Kiev. Moreover, Germany promised to supply additional sniper rifles, anti-tank weapons, and numerous strike drones.
Reports indicate that the United States will soon provide Ukraine with a fresh Patriot air defense system. According to the "New York Times", this new Patriot system is currently positioned in Poland. The delivery would make it the second system gifted by the US to aid Kiev in their battle against Russia's hostilities. Amid these reports, the US Defense Department didn't comment on the situation when inquired by AFP.
Ukraine has presently received two Patriot systems from Germany, with a third being promised for April. At the NATO defense ministers' meeting on Thursday, the core topic would be these deliveries.
Jens Stoltenberg, NATO's Secretary-General, stated that Hungary wouldn't hinder other allies from offering financial aid to Ukraine and playing a leading role in coordinating that support. He divulged this information following a meeting with Orban in Budapest.
Orban described his chat with Stoltenberg as "difficult but constructive discussions". He stressed that Hungary should not provide financial support to the war, not send any personnel to the war, and avoid using Hungarian territory for participation in the war.
Orban is usually deemed an ally of Russia in the EU and has chosen not to distance himself from Moscow even though Russia launched an assault war against Ukraine.
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- The Ukrainian air defense successfully intercepted all 24 drone attacks and five out of six rocket launches, according to a recent statement.
- In response to the escalating drone assaults, Ukraine has requested increased air defense support from its allies.
- Reports suggest that Germany will deliver 100 more Patriot missiles and additional weapons to boost Ukraine's air defense capabilities.
- The United States is also preparing to provide Ukraine with a fresh Patriot air defense system to bolster its defenses against Russian drone attacks.
- This new Patriot system, reportedly located in Poland, will be the second one provided by the USA to aid Ukraine in its war against Russia.
- The German Defense Minister committed to supplying Ukraine with numerous strike drones alongside the promised Patriot missiles.
- Russian drone attacks on Kiev have resulted in fires and injuries, prompting calls for enhanced air defense measures to safeguard civilians.
- Hungary's leader, Viktor Orban, has maintained his position of not providing financial support or personnel to Ukraine's war efforts against Russia.
- Despite the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis, Germany, the USA, and other allies continue to offer aid and support to Ukraine in its battle against Russian aggression.
- Air defense will be a key topic at the NATO defense ministers' meeting, as allies seek to coordinate their efforts in defending Ukraine against Russian drone attacks and rocket assaults.
