Russian bombs delivered by Iran-based drones hit the Kyiv region on Thursday as the Ukrainian capital once again drew the ire of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The attack comes three days after shelling marks the first attack on the city since the early days of the war, when a Russian advance on Kyiv was turned back by Ukrainian forces.
“Another attack by kamikaze drones on important buildings,” the deputy head of the presidential office Kyrylo Tymoshenko said on Telegram. “Relevant services are already… recording the results of shelling. Do not neglect safety, stay in shelters during alarms!”
Britain’s Defense Ministry said that the drones it was flying were unable to provide deep-seated targets in Ukraine, with many reportedly destroyed before hitting their targets.
Bombings and mudslinging of cities in the south and east of the country have become routine in the seven months since the start of the Russian offensive, but Kyiv in north-central Ukraine has seen normal activity since March. That changed dramatically after an explosion at the Russian-built Crimean bridge on Saturday stopped cars and trains – and embarrassed Putin’s government. Bombs rained on cities in Ukraine in retaliation for Monday.
MUS, ALLIES BOLSTER UKRAINE AIR DEFENSE:Eight arrested in Crimea bridge bombing: Updates
Other events
► NATO Defense Ministers gathered in Brussels for a second day of talks to assess the situation in Ukraine after Wednesday’s alliance. to bring more air defense to the country.
►The Lithuanian government has announced a new military aid package to Ukraine that includes winter clothing as well as armored vehicles, fire engines, drones and other equipment.
►The Ukrainian military estimates that more than 66,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded so far in the war. Russia does not release the numbers and Ukraine does not announce its losses.
Russia says it bombed 70 Ukrainian energy plants
A spokesman for Russia’s lower house of parliament said more than 70 power stations in Ukraine were bombed in retaliation this week. He threatened an “even tougher” response to future attacks on Ukraine, even though Ukraine has yet to claim responsibility for the bridge bombing. Power disruptions can be significant as winter moves into the battered country.
“All those who planned and caused the terrorist attack must be found; those who refuse must be destroyed,” Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin wrote on Telegram.
Ukraine receives $1.3 billion from the IMF
The International Monetary Fund has given Ukraine $1.3 billion in additional emergency funds for “budget needs,” President Denys Shmyhal said on Thursday. “We thank our partners for their unwavering support,” Shmyhal said on Twitter.
The IMF has given Ukraine $2.7 billion since Russia’s full-scale attack began. The fund will soon start working with Ukraine on “preparation of a new important program that will start next year,” said Shmyhal.
Britain to supply weapons for US anti-aircraft systems
Britain said on Thursday it will supply weapons for NASAM anti-aircraft systems that the Pentagon plans to send to Ukraine. It is also sending hundreds of other space probes to gather information and logistical support, as well as 18 missiles.
“These weapons will help Ukraine protect the skies from attack and strengthen their overall missile defense along with the US’s NASAMS,” UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said.
Distribution: The Associated Press
