Kyiv, February 1: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has strongly condemned Russia’s latest wave of attacks on Ukrainian cities, describing them as “another wave of terrorist crimes.”
Sharing an update on X, Zelenskyy stated, “Last night, Russia launched an attack on our cities using various types of weapons: missiles, attack drones, and aerial bombs. Another wave of terrorist crimes.”
Deadly Strikes Across Multiple Cities
The Ukrainian President detailed the devastation caused by the attacks, with civilian casualties and infrastructure damage reported in several regions:
- Poltava: A residential building was completely destroyed, leaving 10 people wounded, including children. Tragically, three people were killed.
- Kharkiv: A strike drone attack resulted in one fatality.
- Sumy: Russian strikes killed two people.
- Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, Khmelnytskyi, and Kyiv: Reports of injuries and destruction continue to emerge, with at least six people confirmed wounded.
Expressing condolences to the families of the victims, Zelenskyy emphasized that emergency services are actively working on rescue operations and providing necessary assistance.
Call for Stronger International Air Defense Support
Zelenskyy renewed his appeal to international partners for stronger air defense support, stressing that every additional system and interceptor missile could help save lives.
“Every such act of terror proves that we need greater support in defending against Russian terror. Every air defense system, every interceptor missile, means a life saved. It is crucial that our partners take action, fulfill our agreements, and increase pressure on Russia,” he urged.
Reports of North Korean Troops Withdrawing from Russian Frontlines
Meanwhile, Ukrainian military officials have reported that North Korean forces deployed in Russia’s Kursk region have likely withdrawn after suffering heavy losses.
- Colonel Oleksandr Kindratenko, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces, told CNN that North Korean troops have not been observed on the battlefield for the past three weeks.
- Ukrainian Presidential Adviser Mykhailo Podolyak also confirmed similar reports.
- According to Ukrainian and Western intelligence sources, approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers were sent to Russia, with around 4,000 killed or injured.
These developments come amid escalating tensions and continued international efforts to support Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.