Ukraine is receiving new signals of support from the US and European allies amid intensified Russian attacks and threats of new strikes on Kyiv. Washington is discussing additional supplies of missiles for air defense, and Sweden is preparing to transfer Gripen fighters to Ukraine. At the same time, a diplomatic dispute has escalated in the UN Security Council over the latest shelling of the Ukrainian capital and Moscow's statements about further escalation.
US congressmen called for increased supplies of missiles for Ukrainian air defense
US congressmen Richard Blumenthal and Jim Hymes called on the US administration to support Ukraine's request for additional missiles for air defense systems. They made this statement after a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. The Ukrainian side is asking for additional Patriot complexes and interceptor missiles amid the threat of new massive attacks from Russia. Politicians paid special attention to the need to protect Kyiv from ballistic missiles.
According to Blumenthal, upon his return to Washington, he and his colleagues will work to expand military assistance to Ukraine and strengthen sanctions against Russia. At the same time, Himes noted that the supply of weapons is complicated by the significant resources that the United States spends on other international conflicts. He emphasized that the resources currently being used in the Middle East are also needed to support Ukraine. In a letter to Trump, Zelensky indicated that the current pace of missile deliveries no longer corresponds to the scale of threats to Ukrainian skies.
The United States at the UN condemned Russia's strikes on Kyiv and called for negotiations
The US Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Tammy Bruce, sharply condemned the latest Russian attacks on Kyiv, calling them an "inexplicable, dangerous and barbaric escalation." She made the corresponding statement during a meeting of the UN Security Council, which was convened after the massive strikes on Ukraine. According to her, Russia's use of ballistic missiles, in particular the Oreshnik complex, has led to the death of civilians and large-scale destruction of civilian infrastructure. Bruce emphasized that targeted attacks on civilians are unacceptable.
The US representative also warned Russia against implementing plans for so-called systematic strikes on Kyiv. In her opinion, such actions could lead to new casualties and further delay the prospect of a peaceful settlement. Separately, Bruce expressed concern about the security of diplomatic missions and reminded Russia of its international legal obligations to protect diplomatic personnel. She emphasized that diplomacy and negotiations remain the only way to achieve lasting peace.
Russia rejects US calls to refrain from new strikes on Kyiv
During a meeting of the UN Security Council, Russia ignored the US call not to carry out new systematic strikes on Kyiv. The meeting was convened at the request of Ukraine after a large-scale attack, during which hundreds of missiles and drones were fired at the capital and surrounding areas. The American side called the use of the Oreshnik missile a dangerous escalation of the war and warned of the risk of further civilian casualties. At the same time, Moscow continued to insist on its position on future attacks.
The Russian permanent representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzia, said that Russia planned to continue to strike so-called “decision-making centers” and military facilities in Kyiv. He also repeated the recommendation that foreign diplomats and employees of international organizations leave the Ukrainian capital. UN representative Khaled Hiari reported the organization’s deep concern about Russia’s announced plans for further strikes. The international community continues to discuss the consequences of the latest escalation and the risks of its further development.
Ukrainian drones increasingly strike Russian military targets
Ukraine continues to increase the use of medium-range drones to strike military targets behind the occupation forces. According to Reuters, units of the Unmanned Systems Forces regularly attack ammunition depots, field bases, air defense systems and other facilities at a distance of 30 to 180 kilometers behind the front line. One such unit operates in eastern Ukraine, where operators launch drones using special catapults directly from field positions. According to the commander of the unit with the call sign "Whale", Ukrainian drones are already capable of striking throughout the occupied territory of Ukraine and even targets on Russian territory.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously said that the number of such strikes had quadrupled since February. Ukrainian military and analysts believe that attacks on logistics and air defense systems are helping to slow down the Russian offensive and creating additional opportunities for long-range strikes on Russia’s oil and gas and military infrastructure. Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced the allocation of another 5 billion hryvnias to support the most effective units carrying out such operations. At the same time, the unit commander stressed that the technological struggle is ongoing, because after each new decision by the Ukrainian side, the enemy tries to find ways to counter it, using its own experience and resources in the field of air defense.
Ukraine to acquire Gripen fighters, and Sweden to transfer additional aircraft
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced a new stage of military-technical cooperation between the two countries. Ukraine plans to purchase 20 of the latest Gripen E fighters, and Sweden will deliver 16 Gripen C/D aircraft of the previous modification next year. The leaders said this during a joint press conference at the Uppsala air base. According to Zelensky, these aircraft open a new page in the development of Ukrainian combat aviation.
The purchase will be financed by part of the European Union's €90 billion loan program. The first modern Gripen E aircraft are expected after 2030, while the transfer of older versions will allow Ukraine to strengthen its defense capabilities more quickly. Sweden already remains one of the largest donors of aid to Ukraine, having provided billions of dollars in support. For the Swedish defense industry, this agreement will also be an important step in strengthening the Gripen fighter's position on the international market.
Photo: Christine Olsson/TT News Agency/via REUTERS
Author: Danylo Pievchev