Russian invasion: War against Ukraine: That's the situation

The latest wave of Russian attacks has again killed several people in Ukraine and cut off electricity and water supplies in some places.

Russian invasion: War against Ukraine: That's the situation

The latest wave of Russian attacks has again killed several people in Ukraine and cut off electricity and water supplies in some places.

Nevertheless, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy yesterday celebrated the success of the air defense against the large number of Russian cruise missiles: "Every Russian missile launched is concrete proof that terrorism can be defeated," he said in his daily video address. According to their own statements, the air defense had shot down around 60 of around 70 cruise missiles. Nevertheless, there were several hits. "Unfortunately, there are victims," ​​said Zelenskyj. Four people were killed.

Zelenskyy noted that Russia's new wave of attacks will coincide with the anniversary of the signing of the Budapest Memorandum. In the document signed on December 5, 1994, Russia, Great Britain and the United States had jointly given Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan security guarantees for their renunciation of all Soviet-era nuclear weapons on their territories. Among other things, the signatories pledged to respect the sovereignty and existing borders of the three ex-Soviet republics.

Russia, which annexed Crimea in 2014, launched a war of aggression against Ukraine on February 24 and occupies part of the country.

Zelenskyy said disregarding the historical document provides answers to many of today's questions about Russia. "Just sign something with these terrorists - there will be no peace. Just make an agreement with them - they will definitely violate it." For this reason alone, a fundamental continuation of the existing policy of the "conscientious states" of the world is necessary, said Zelenskyj, referring to all of Ukraine's partners and supporters.

"Only destroying Russian terrorist capabilities, only liberating our entire country and only condemning the killers can bring peace," he said.

Ukraine: Russians used around 70 cruise missiles in attack

According to the Ukrainian air defense, the Russian military used almost 70 cruise missiles in the new large-scale attack on targets in Ukraine yesterday. A large part had been shot down by strategic bombers from a great distance, for example over the Caspian Sea, according to the message distributed on Telegram. 22 guided missiles of the "Kalibr" type were fired from ships in the Black Sea.

The Ukrainian air defense repelled most of the attacks. "In total, more than 60 rockets from the invaders were shot down," it said. The information could not be verified.

US Ambassador to Kyiv Bridget Brink paid tribute to Ukraine's air defenses. "Today and every day, great respect for Ukrainian air defenses," she tweeted in English and Ukrainian last night.

However, Russian missiles also reached their targets, for example in the cities of Odessa and Kyiv. According to reports from the Unian state agency, energy supply facilities were hit again. According to Selenskyj, the electricity failed in seven regions, and in some places the water supply also collapsed. According to Russian information, "all 17 named targets were hit".

Moscow blames Kyiv for attacks on military airfields

Russia blamed Ukraine for attacks on two Russian military airports that left at least three dead. The Defense Ministry in Moscow said last night: "On the morning of December 5, the Kiev regime tried to use Soviet-made reactive drones to attack the airfields "Dyagilyevo" in the Ryazan region and "Engels" in the Saratov region in order to disable Russian long-haul aircraft to put."

According to the Russian military, three soldiers were killed and four others were taken to hospital with injuries. However, the long-range bombers were only slightly damaged, also thanks to the use of anti-aircraft defenses.

Kyiv indirectly confirms attacks

The Ukrainian air force yesterday indirectly confirmed the attacks on the two Russian military airfields. Two photos were also published on Telegram showing a damaged Russian bomber and a damaged truck in front of an apparently hit plane. The authenticity of the images could not be verified.

German ambassador to the US admits mistakes in dealing with Russia

The German ambassador to the USA, Emily Haber, admitted that the German government had made mistakes in dealing with Russia in recent years. The improvement in relations with Moscow over several decades has strengthened the assumption on the German side that mutual dependence leads to stability, transparency and ultimately to systemic changes, Haber wrote in a guest article for the Washington Post published yesterday.

That turned out to be wrong. "We have ignored warning signs to the contrary and failed to take criticism from our allies and partners as seriously as we should have - particularly regarding the geopolitical implications of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline."

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