Jason Snowden

Since last night, response efforts have been underway in Kyiv and the surrounding region following Russia’s strike. There were numerous fires across the city. Seven districts were affected, and, as usual, the Russians struck ordinary residential buildings. Eighteen residential buildings, a school, the Lithuanian Embassy, and infrastructure facilities were damaged. As of now, nine people have been reported killed in this attack. My condolences to their families and loved ones. Dozens of people were injured. Medical teams are helping everyone who needs it. Overnight, the Russians launched 35 missiles at Ukraine, including 27 ballistic missiles, as well as 185 attack drones of various types. Kyiv was the primary target, but strikes also hit the Dnipro, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Poltava regions. Only one ballistic missile was intercepted, simply because there are no interceptors for the Patriot systems. And it is this shortage of ballistic missile interceptors that only encourages Russia to launch such attacks that take human lives. It is critical that partners hear that these capabilities are needed not somewhere in stockpiles for hypothetical scenarios, but here and now, to contain and stop the Russian war in Ukraine. Every package of ballistic missile interceptors saves the lives of our people. And every night without them results in more casualties. I thank everyone who is working to strengthen our defenses.

Briefing from Mykhailo Drapatyi, Ihor Skybiuk, Yevhenii Khmara, and Pavlo Palisa. We discussed in detail the challenges we are facing now because of Russia’s tactics of ballistic missile strikes, and our ability to counter this tactic, both at the military and diplomatic levels. We identified solutions and technological steps, as well as asymmetric measures that can give Ukraine greater protection. There was a briefing on the situation at the front, primarily in the areas of Slovyansk and Kostiantynivka, and also on the situation with the maritime export corridor – what has already been done in this area and what action plan is still to be implemented. I am grateful to all the warriors and units involved in carrying out our plan of long-range sanctions against Russia for its war. Our mid-range strikes operation against Russian forces and positions in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine, including our Crimea, is ongoing. We updated the list of top priorities for mid-range strikes. I instructed the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to strengthen information-sharing and coordination with military leadership in the countries of our region. The teams at Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense and the Office will work with our partners in Europe who can help with the supply of air defense missiles. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is preparing a number of systemic changes that will, among other things, allow for a clearer assessment of the situation on the front line, a more rapid response to changes in the situation, and greater opportunities for brigades to respond effectively to Russian assault activity. Thank you to all the units that are truly holding Ukraine’s positions and preventing the occupier’s army from achieving the objectives set for it by Russia’s political leadership. Glory to Ukraine!