Zelenskyy praises air defence after Russian strikes hit several Ukrainian regions

International

KYIV, Ukraine (NPA) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has praised the country’s military and international partners following successful interceptions, including of ballistic missiles, during another wave of Russian attacks across Ukraine.

Zelenskyy said rescue and recovery operations were continuing after Russian strikes damaged civilian and energy infrastructure in several regions, including Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Sumy, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Zhytomyr, Volyn and Rivne.

In Kyiv, the depot at Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi railway station, data and business centres and residential buildings were damaged, according to the president.

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In the Odesa region, a school, a dormitory and two foreign vessels were reportedly hit. Energy facilities, substations, civilian enterprises and residential buildings were also damaged in other affected areas.

Zelenskyy described the attacks as targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, saying the aftermath of the strikes was being addressed “almost nonstop”.

“There were successful interceptions last night, including of ballistic missiles. Thank you to everyone involved in our defence and to everyone who adheres to our agreements,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the United States and Norway for providing NASAMS air defence systems and missiles, as well as to France and Germany for recent air defence support, particularly missiles.

“Against the backdrop of daily Russian escalation, it is important that the protection of life receives constant support and such packages continue to arrive,” he said.

The Ukrainian president said continued international assistance was important as Russian attacks persisted, urging partners to maintain support for the country’s air defence capabilities.

He also thanked those involved in responding to the aftermath of the attacks and providing assistance to affected communities.