Intensified Attacks: Russian Missiles Pound Kyiv and Kharkiv, Leaving Devastation

Kyiv and Kharkiv, Ukraine's capital and second-largest city, experienced severe missile attacks from Russia, resulting in at least five casualties. The assault occurred a day after Vladimir Putin's declaration that Russia would escalate its offensive against Ukraine. Explosions echoed across all districts of Kyiv on Tuesday, causing substantial damage to residential buildings and civilian infrastructure.

Footage shared on social media depicted the aftermath, revealing the destruction caused by the missile strikes. Kyiv's mayor, Vitali Klitschko, reported an elderly woman's death and at least 41 injuries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy credited western-provided defense systems, such as the Patriot missile system, for saving lives and preventing further casualties.

Despite Russia's intensified attacks, Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted all incoming missiles during the latest assault. Gen Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the head of the army, provided details on the effectiveness of Ukraine's defense systems, including thwarting cruise missiles.

Kharkiv, located near the Russian border, also suffered casualties, with one person killed and 41 wounded due to missile strikes on the city center. The attacks followed Putin's warning of increased strikes in response to a Ukrainian assault on the Russian border city of Belgorod.

In his recent address to Russian soldiers, Putin expressed confidence in Russia holding the "strategic initiative" in the war. He emphasized Russia's commitment to intensify strikes, vowing to punish any crimes against civilians. Putin's remarks came amid an escalation of hostilities since last Friday, with the largest single attack by Russia resulting in at least 41 civilian deaths.

International calls for support and funding for Ukraine have amplified, with US Ambassador Bridget Brink urging urgent assistance. The failure of the US Congress to approve $50 billion in security aid and uncertainties about a €50 billion EU package have raised concerns about the support Ukraine needs to withstand the conflict.

President Zelenskiy, in a defiant interview, rejected the notion that Russia was winning the nearly two-year-old war. He emphasized Europe's role in protecting itself by supporting Ukraine and highlighted the need to continue hitting Russia's strengths in Crimea. Zelenskiy expressed skepticism about Russia's willingness to negotiate, citing ongoing missile attacks as evidence of a "terrorist country." The escalating violence underscores the urgent need for international aid to address the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

"Putin Vows Heightened Military Strikes on Ukraine Following Deadly End to 2023"

In response to a deadly week in Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin has declared an escalation in military strikes on Ukrainian targets, with Kyiv experiencing a heavy assault early on Tuesday.

The announcement comes after a Ukrainian attack on the Russian city of Belgorod on Saturday, resulting in 25 casualties, including five children, according to local officials. This strike followed Moscow's large-scale attack on Ukrainian cities on Friday, resulting in over 40 fatalities and 160 injuries.

During a visit to a military hospital on Monday, Putin stated, "We're going to intensify the strikes. No crime against civilians will rest unpunished, that's for certain."

Despite Putin's assertion that Moscow would target "military installations," strikes on Monday hit a university and a museum. Early Tuesday witnessed Ukraine's air force reporting multiple missile strikes on Kyiv, with more than 10 loud explosions heard by AFP journalists, shaking buildings in the city center.

The city's military administration reported fragments of downed rockets falling in several districts, including on residential buildings. Mayor Vitali Klitschko mentioned power outages in several areas of the capital.

On New Year's Day, Kyiv claimed Russia targeted the country with a "record" number of drones, launching 90 Iranian-made Shahed drones, of which 87 were reportedly destroyed. Russian shelling on New Year's Day allegedly resulted in one fatality in the southern Odesa region and another in Kherson.

As violence escalated, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy refuted the notion that Russia was winning the nearly two-year-old war, describing it as only a "feeling." Zelenskiy highlighted Moscow's heavy battlefield losses, specifically mentioning the besieged eastern town of Avdiivka, where he claimed thousands of Russian soldiers were killed.

Zelenskiy acknowledged that progress in 2023 may not have met global expectations but pointed to Ukrainian forces breaking through a Russian Black Sea blockade as a significant achievement, enabling grain exports along a new southern route.

Facing obstacles in garnering additional support from the United States and the European Union, Zelenskiy emphasized the need to persuade global leaders that defending Ukraine was tantamount to defending the world. He rejected any notion of Moscow's interest in peace talks, characterizing Russia's actions as those of a "terrorist country."

Responding to Putin's comments on Monday about the strategic initiative favoring Russia, Zelenskiy emphasized the Ukrainian perspective, citing the failure of the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the summer. He acknowledged Moscow's desire to end the conflict but insisted it should be done "only on our terms."