UKR Emb to HOLY SEE and SMOM

Russia’s overnight attack on Dnipro and the region lasted more than six hours. A missile strike damaged an apartment block, with other civilian infrastructure also heavily hit. The attack also targeted energy facilities and residential buildings across the region. Drones struck Odesa as well, and one of the UAVs hit a vessel owned by China. The Russians could not have been unaware of what vessel was at sea. Overall, destruction was recorded across eight regions, and as of now, dozens of people across the country have been reported injured, including children. In total, the Russians used 524 attack drones and 22 missiles of various types in this strike – both ballistic and cruise missiles. Air raid alerts remain in effect across many border and frontline communities, but our services are operating wherever the security situation allows. Russia relies on ballistic missiles to strike people, and that is precisely why we in Europe must do everything possible to ensure reliable protection against this. Europe must have its own anti-ballistic systems and be self-sufficient in the face of these threats. We repeat once again: we need our own anti-ballistic capabilities and stronger Ukrainian air defense right now. This week will be focused on working with our partners to strengthen the protection of lives. I thank everyone already working on this together with Ukraine.

There are currently more than a hundred Russian drones in our skies, and there may be more waves of drone attacks throughout the day. Russia continues its strikes and is doing so brazenly – deliberately targeting our railway infrastructure and civilian sites in our cities. Unfortunately, people were wounded and killed in these strikes; my condolences to all their families and loved ones. Yesterday, 14 regions came under attack throughout the day. Overnight, strikes targeted residential and railway infrastructure in the Dnipro and Kharkiv regions, port infrastructure in the Odesa region, and energy facilities in the Poltava region. At all levels, our warriors are countering these attacks, and 111 drones were shot down or jammed overnight alone. It is important to repel every attack with resilience. It is important to support Ukraine and not remain silent about Russia’s war. Every time the war disappears from the top of the news, it encourages Russia to become even more savage. It is important that our diplomats implement the agreements we reach at the leaders’ level as quickly as possible. Ukraine needs the capacity to defend itself every day, and only strong joint action can ensure this. I thank everyone who is helping!