Russia fired off a recent barrage of strikes at Ukraine on New 12 months’s Eve, launching practically 100 Shahed loitering munitions in opposition to cities throughout the nation. The Normal Workers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine stated their air protection forces had shot down 87 of the Iranian-made drones.
A 15-year-old boy was killed and 7 folks have been wounded after particles from one of many drones that was downed hit a residential constructing in Odesa, the pinnacle of the regional administration stated based on the Related Press.
The newest vacation launch got here on the heels of an air assault on Friday, throughout which the Ukrainian Air Power introduced down 114 of 158 projectiles fired by Russia. Kyiv stated Friday’s bombardment, the most important of the warfare, had killed at the least 45 folks.
Nationwide unity took heart stage throughout Russian President Vladimir Putin’s New 12 months handle to the nation, although the president solely referenced the warfare obliquely. He praised Russian troops — however didn’t point out Ukraine by identify, nor did he make direct reference to the so-called particular army operation, Kremlin-speak for the warfare in Ukraine.
“What united us and unites us is the destiny of the Fatherland, a deep understanding of the best significance of the historic stage by means of which Russia is passing,” Putin stated to the nation. Putin stated Russia would by no means retreat and there was no pressure that would divide Russians and cease the nation’s improvement, the AP reported citing state media.
On Saturday, Ukrainian strikes in opposition to Belgorod, a Russian metropolis roughly 35 kilometers from the border, killed at the least two dozen and wounded greater than 100, based on regional Russian authorities — however the assault didn’t characteristic in Putin’s four-minute video message.
Putin, visiting injured troopers in hospital on New 12 months’s Day, referred to as the Ukrainian air strikes a “terrorist act” and stated Russia would strike again forcefully: “That is undoubtedly a criminal offense in opposition to the civilian inhabitants,” Putin stated. “It is not going to go unpunished, a hundred percent, of that there there will be little doubt.”
In his midnight handle, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy marked 676 days of warfare by commending the resilience of Ukraine’s residents and troopers and highlighting Ukraine’s invitation to hitch the European Union.
“We have no idea for sure what the brand new yr will deliver us,” Zelenskyy stated, with Ukraine’s counteroffensive largely stalled and the rising chance of stalemate throughout the entrance. “However this yr we will add: no matter it brings, we can be stronger.”
This story has been up to date.