Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for his country to provide a “complete protective shield” of its air defense system following an operation he described as “Russian missile terrorism”.
As missile attacks hit the Donetsk region and the Black Sea port city of Odesa, President Zelensky called on Western allies to provide more anti-aircraft systems to protect all of Ukraine.
“Ukraine needs a full-fledged Skyshield. This is the only way to defeat Russian missile terrorism.
“Thanks to the help of our partners and the air defense system provided to Ukraine, our air defenders have saved thousands of lives. But we need more air defense systems for our entire territory, for every city and community.
The comments followed an attack that appeared to have targeted a grain storage facility earlier in the week, followed by another attack on the city of Odesa on Sunday morning.
The attack comes as a highly publicized Ukrainian counterattack continues to stall against heavily entrenched Russian forces, which also maintain air superiority over much of the front, further complicating matters for the small Ukrainian force.
The Biden administration approved the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine earlier this year, but the country is still awaiting delivery and either way pilots will need to be trained in how to use the jet, a process that typically takes months.
The US has provided Ukraine with two complete Patriot anti-aircraft systems, and weapons maker Raytheon Said It plans to send five more to the country by the end of next year.
Ukraine needs a full-fledged Skyshield. This is the only way to defeat Russian missile terrorism. We have already shown that we can shoot down even the Russian missiles that the terrorists were bragging about. Thanks to the cooperation of our partners and the air defense system… pic.twitter.com/eDvbrKQpip
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 23, 2023
Ukraine claimed Sunday’s attack severely damaged the city’s historic Transfiguration Orthodox Cathedral, but Russia denied the church was targeted and suggested the damage was likely the result of a Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile dropping.
“Considering the video footage released by local residents of the Church of the Transfiguration, the most likely reason for its destruction is the fall of Ukrainian anti-aircraft guided missiles as a result of the uneducated actions of air defense system operators, who are intentionally installing air defense systems in residential areas of settlements, including the city of Odessa, by the Ukrainian military,” the Russian Defense Ministry said. Said State media RIA reported.
Despite this, President Zelensky vowed to avenge the destruction of the cathedral that reportedly claimed the lives of the two men.
President Zelensky: “Rocket bombs against peaceful cities, houses, cathedrals… There is no excuse for Russia’s evil” I have written on his Telegram channel. “As always, this evil will lose. And there will undoubtedly be retribution of Russian terrorists against Odesa. They will feel this retribution.”
“Aid is being provided to all those affected by this terrorist attack. I am grateful to all those who are helping people and who have thoughts and feelings with Odesa.
One killed, dozens injured, historic cathedral destroyed in Odessa attack in Russiahttps://t.co/1UW5av4pOg
— Breitbart London (@BreitbartLondon) July 23, 2023
