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. assist 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 accordance with preliminary info, 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 because of the assault, it added.
In the meantime, the regional navy administration within the southern Kherson area stated on December 20 that 16 individuals, together with 4 youngsters, had been injured in Russian shelling the day earlier than.
There was no rapid remark from Russia.
The recent assaults come as Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov informed reporters in Moscow on December 20 that there isn’t a present foundation for talks between Moscow and Kyiv.
”We actually contemplate 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 japanese 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 reviews emerged that the U.S. Senate is not going to vote on a bundle to offer extra assist to Ukraine and bolster U.S. border safety earlier than early subsequent 12 months, 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 aim is to get one thing executed as quickly as we get again,” Senate Democratic Chief Chuck Schumer informed 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 further navy assist from the US 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 pressured that Ukraine wants rapid help to proceed the battle.
”We’d like assist from the US 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 believe 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 US will present every little thing promised as a result of Washington understands that each one its monetary assist goes towards Ukraine’s want to face towards the invasion.
”I’m positive that the US is not going to betray us and we are going to get every little 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 assist.
The information convention got here because the White Home stated it deliberate extra navy assist this month, whereas the European Financial institution for Reconstruction and Growth accepted a $4.3 billion capital enhance to spice up funding for Ukraine.
Zelenskiy can depend on not less than one further bundle of U.S. navy assist for Ukraine earlier than the tip of the 12 months, however the bigger bundle 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 assist.
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 expect is required, doing what we wish,” Putin stated. ”The place our commanders contemplate it mandatory to stay to energetic defenses they’re doing so, and we’re enhancing our positions the place it is wanted.”