Russia fired drones at targets throughout Ukraine, together with Kyiv, early on December 20, Ukrainian authorities stated, because the Kremlin dominated out peace talks hours after additional U.S. help to Ukraine was thrown into doubt.
The Ukrainian Air Pressure stated 18 of 19 drones launched at Kyiv, Odesa, Kherson, and different areas of Ukraine had been destroyed.
”In response to preliminary data, there have been no casualties or destruction within the capital,” Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv’s navy administration, stated on the Telegram messaging app.
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The Ukrainian Air Pressure additionally stated Russia attacked the Kharkiv area within the east with two surface-to-air guided missiles. There have been no casualties on account of the assault, it added.
In the meantime, the regional navy administration within the southern Kherson area stated on December 20 that 16 folks, together with 4 kids, had been injured in Russian shelling the day earlier than.
There was no instant remark from Russia.
The recent assaults come as Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov instructed reporters in Moscow on December 20 that there isn’t a present foundation for talks between Moscow and Kyiv.
”We actually take into account that the subject of negotiations just isn’t related proper now,” Peskov stated, including that Kyiv’s proposed peace plan was absurd because it excluded Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy signed a decree in October 2022 formally declaring the prospect of any Ukrainian talks with Putin ”unimaginable” after Russia claimed to have annexed 4 areas of southern and jap Ukraine.
Zelenskiy’s 10-point peace plan requires the withdrawal of Russian troops and cessation of hostilities and the restoration of Ukraine’s state borders with Russia.
Peskov’s feedback come hours after studies emerged that the U.S. Senate won’t vote on a package deal to offer extra help to Ukraine and bolster U.S. border safety earlier than early subsequent yr, as Democratic and Republican negotiators proceed talks.
”Our negotiators are going to be working very, very diligently over the December and January break interval, and our purpose is to get one thing executed as quickly as we get again,” Senate Democratic Chief Chuck Schumer instructed reporters. In a joint assertion, Schumer and Senate Republican chief Mitch McConnell stated negotiators ”are making encouraging progress” however ”difficult points stay.”
WATCH: At a press convention in Kyiv on December 19, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated he’s relying on extra navy help from the USA to assist strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses.
Schumer and McConnell stated they’re ”dedicated” to passing laws sending billions to Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and the southern U.S. border.
Regardless of the setback, Zelenskiy stated earlier in Kyiv that an unspecified variety of U.S.-provided air-defense methods are on the way in which and stated the Europeans additionally proceed to offer assist, however he careworn that Ukraine wants instant help to proceed the combat.
”We’d like assist from the USA proper now. We’d like help from the European Union,” Zelenskiy stated. ”I’m joyful that our companions listened to us and heard us. I feel the help will come to Ukraine very quickly.”
Citing the anticipated supply of nationwide superior antiaircraft missile methods (NASAMS), Zelenskiy stated he’s positive the USA will present every thing promised as a result of Washington understands that every one its monetary assist goes towards Ukraine’s want to face towards the invasion.
”I’m positive that the USA won’t betray us and we’ll get every thing that was promised,” he stated, including that Ukraine has established ”particular ties” with its companions in Europe — each within the EU and different European nations — they usually ”proceed to assist us” with funding and navy help.
The information convention got here because the White Home stated it deliberate extra navy help this month, whereas the European Financial institution for Reconstruction and Growth authorised a $4.3 billion capital improve to spice up funding for Ukraine.
Zelenskiy can rely on no less than one extra package deal of U.S. navy help for Ukraine earlier than the top of the yr, however the bigger package deal of $100 billion for Ukraine, Israel, and border safety has stalled in Congress as President Joe Biden tries to influence lawmakers — primarily Republicans — to beat reluctance to authorize additional help.
Earlier in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared at a gathering with prime navy leaders that Russian troops are ”holding the initiative” in Ukraine.
”We’re successfully doing what we predict is required, doing what we wish,” Putin stated. ”The place our commanders take into account it vital to stay to lively defenses they’re doing so, and we’re enhancing our positions the place it is wanted.”