Ukraine’s air defense forces have achieved a significant victory by intercepting and neutralizing ten Russian missiles and drones flying over the southern regions of Mykolaiv and Odesa during the night, according to the Ukrainian Air Command South.
The Air Command relayed on its Telegram channel that it successfully detected and engaged four Russian cruise missiles and six combat drones of Iranian origin. They suspect are coming from both the occupied Crimea and the Russian mainland.
Aerial Threats and Airstrikes
The Air Command South reported, “Four Kh-101/Kh-555/Kh-55 cruise missiles and two Shahed-136/131 combat drones were destroyed by the defense forces of the Air Command South over Odesa region, and three Shahed-136/131 drones over Mykolaiv region.”
Apart from these aerial threats, Russia also carried out two airstrikes using precision-guided air bombs on residential areas within the city of Beryslav and the Lviv district of the Kherson region, which borders Crimea. These attacks caused damage to buildings and infrastructure. Fortunately, there are no reports of casualties.
The Ukrainian Air Command scrambled its fighter jets to intercept the Russian bombers, but the intruders retreated before engaging in combat.
Kherson and Beryslav Districts
Additionally, Russia conducted 75 artillery attacks, employing approximately 450 shells, including seven strikes on populated areas in the Kherson and Beryslav districts. Tragically, these shelling attacks resulted in several civilian and military casualties, substantial property and vehicle damage, and further escalated tensions.
Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, swiftly condemned Russia’s aggression, emphasizing the need for international support and solidarity. He pointed out that Russia’s actions not only violated ceasefire agreements and the Minsk peace process but also indicated an alarming escalation aimed at destabilizing Ukraine and challenging its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Calls for International Support and Sanctions.
Zelensky commended the Ukrainian air defense forces for their valor and professionalism in repelling the Russian onslaught. He underscored Ukraine’s readiness to defend itself against any threats but stressed the importance of additional military assistance from allies, especially NATO and the United States.
The Ukrainian President called upon the international community to impose stricter sanctions on Russia and intensify diplomatic pressure to halt its aggression and uphold Ukraine’s borders. Additionally, he urged for an urgent meeting of the Normandy format, which involves Ukraine, Russia, France, and Germany, to address the evolving situation and work towards a peaceful resolution.
