Zelensky begs the West for anti-aircraft

2024-04-11 09:57:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have been left without power in a new wave of heavy airstrikes by Russia on Ukraine's infrastructure, prompting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to again plead with the West to give Kiev anti-aircraft systems. for whom there is so much need.

Energy infrastructure was the main target of missile and drone strikes by Russia in four Ukrainian regions on Thursday morning, Ukraine's Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said.

"Transmission systems and generator facilities in Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv and Kyiv regions were attacked. Energy workers are working to eliminate the consequences," Halushchenko said on Facebook.

Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city located about 30 kilometers from the Russian border, was again the main target of Russian attacks on Thursday morning.

Local officials reported 10 Russian airstrikes in Kharkiv.

As a result of these attacks, more than 200,000 citizens were left without electricity in Kharkiv, said Oleksiy Kuleba, the spokesman of the Ukrainian Presidency.

"So far, there are no victims. Information is being updated. We are fixing the breakdowns in the power grid," said the head of the military administration in Kharkiv, Oleh Synyehubov.

The mayor of Kharkiv, Ihor Terekhov, said the attacks caused problems with power lines and public transport.

Russian attacks in Kharkiv have increased significantly in recent weeks. Terekhov said recently that S-300 missiles need just 40 seconds to reach Kharkiv from Russia's Belgorod region.

Meanwhile, Zelensky said Russia carried out multiple drone and missile strikes, overwhelming Ukraine's anti-aircraft system.

"Some of Shahed's missiles and [drones] were shot down. Unfortunately, only a part of them," Zelensky said on Telegram.

Zelensky has called on Ukraine's allies to act more quickly and give Ukraine the means to defend itself.

"We need air defense and other defenses, not neglect and long talks," Zelensky wrote.

"If Russia is allowed to continue doing this, Russian missiles and 'Shaheds' will not only attack Ukraine, but also the commitment of its partners." This will be a global license for terror," he said.

A $60 billion U.S. aid package has been stalled in the House of Representatives for months, blocked by a number of Republicans who believe domestic issues come first, even as the State Department and Defense Department push Congress to pass it.

On Wednesday, the top American general in Europe warned that Ukraine cannot face the war against Russia alone.

General Christopher Cavoli, commander of the European Command, said: “Ukraine cannot face this war alone. The United States, our allies and partners, must continue to provide Ukraine with ammunition, weapons and materials," Cavoli said. /REL