Ukraine Under Fire: Russian Missile Attack Kills One in Kyiv, Damages Embassies
CNN reports that Russian missiles struck Kyiv on Friday, December 22nd, 2023, resulting in the tragic death of one person and injuries to several others. The attack targeted a number of civilian areas, including the city center. This follows a day of heightened tensions after Russian President Vladimir Putin challenged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to a "duel" during his end-of-year conference.
Early morning blasts shake Kyiv
Around 7 a.m. local time, five ballistic missiles were fired at Kyiv. According to the Ukrainian Air Force Command, all missiles were successfully intercepted. However, falling debris caused damage and injuries in various parts of the city.
Embassies damaged in attack
Alarmingly, missiles hit a building housing embassies of several countries, including Albania, Argentina, Palestine, North Macedonia, Portugal, and Montenegro. The facility suffered damage to windows and doors. Portugal has officially summoned the Russian chargé d’affaires to express their strong disapproval of this act.
Russian justification
Russia claims its missile strikes targeted Ukrainian military installations as retaliation for a Ukrainian attack on a chemical plant in Russia’s Rostov region earlier this week. This was allegedly carried out using American-made ATACMS missiles.
Zelensky calls for more sanctions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded by calling for further sanctions against Russia and additional air defense systems from international partners. This latest attack exemplifies the ongoing conflict and the escalating rhetoric between the two nations.
Kherson also targeted
In southern Ukraine, the city of Kherson faced intense shelling from Russian forces attempting to advance. This resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to ten more, according to local officials.
Staying informed during conflict
It’s crucial to stay informed during these volatile times and rely on trusted sources for updates. Follow reputable news outlets and official government communication channels for accurate information.
Stay tuned for further developments in this evolving