Several Ukrainian cities took severe blows, including Kyiv, in what Russian President Vladimir Putin called retaliation for a weekend explosion on the Kerch Bridge.
At least 14 civilians were killed and nearly 100 were wounded, the Ukrainian Emergency Service reported.
“Russian Federation has used 84 cruise missiles and 24 UAV, including 13 Iranian Shahid-136 drones,” Ukraine’s military’s General Staff said, adding that 56 of the Russian weapons were destroyed – 43 cruise missiles and 13 UAVs, which included 10 kamikaze drones.
Critical infrastructure facilities, mainly energy supply facilities, were hit in eight regions and in the city of Kyiv, where more than 30 fires broke out, according to the Ukrainian State Emergency Service (SES).
“If attempts continue to carry out terror attacks on our territory, Russia’s responses will be tough,” Putin said at a meeting with members of Russia’s Security Council. “No one must have any doubts about that.”
“The world once again saw the true face of a terrorist state that is killing our people,” Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a social media post Monday. “On the battlefield & in peaceful cities. A country that covers its true bloody essence & goal with talks about peace.”
On Monday, President Biden, spoke with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and expressed his condemnation of Russia’s missile strikes across Ukraine, including in Kyiv, and conveyed his condolences to the loved ones of those “killed and injured” in these senseless attacks.
Biden pledged to continue providing Ukraine with the support needed to defend itself, including advanced air defense systems.
Biden also underscored his ongoing engagement with allies and partners to continue imposing costs on Russia, holding Russia accountable for its war crimes and atrocities, and providing Ukraine with security, economic, and humanitarian assistance.
“The United States strongly condemns Russia’s missile strikes today across Ukraine, including in Kyiv. These attacks killed and injured civilians and destroyed targets with no military purpose. They once again demonstrate the utter brutality of Mr. Putin’s illegal war on the Ukrainian people,” said Biden.
“These attacks only further reinforce our commitment to stand with the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes. Alongside our allies and partners, we will continue to impose costs on Russia for its aggression, hold Putin and Russia accountable for its atrocities and war crimes, and provide the support necessary for Ukrainian forces to defend their country and their freedom,” said Biden.
“We again call on Russia to end this unprovoked aggression immediately and remove its troops from Ukraine,” Biden concluded.
In the news: Belarus Joining Russia In War Against Ukraine
Zelenskyy and Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak met with U.S. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Bridget Brink and Deputy Chief of Mission Christopher Smith.
Brink emphasized that the United States strongly condemns Russia’s attacks on the infrastructure facilities of Ukraine and is committed to holding Russia accountable for war crimes and atrocities committed in Ukraine.
The Ambassador noted that the US diplomatic mission continues its work in Ukraine.
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