Ukraine destroys 21 Iranian-made drones

Kyiv has announced the neutralization of 21 out of 49 Iranian-made drones launched in response to Russia’s declaration of a “terrorist attack” on a border city, resulting in 24 casualties.

The Ukrainian air force revealed on Sunday that the targeted “Shahed” drones aimed at the front line of defense and various civilian, military, and infrastructure facilities in the front-line territories.

The northeastern city of Kharkiv faced six guided missile strikes, causing 28 civilians, including two teenagers and a foreign citizen, to be wounded.

Kharkiv’s military administration, led by Oleg Sinegubov, reported damages to residential buildings, offices, and cafes, emphasizing the city’s resilience against intimidation attempts on the eve of the New Year.

These fresh Russian strikes occurred following the deadliest attack on civilians in Russia since the conflict began in February 2022, resulting in a death toll of 24 and 108 wounded in Belgorod, a city just 30 kilometers from the border.

Moscow accused Kyiv of using controversial cluster munitions, targeting a sports center, an ice rink, and a university in what it described as a “deliberate, indiscriminate attack against a civilian target.”

International reactions intensified, with Ukraine’s allies placing blame on Russian President Vladimir Putin for the invasion two years ago.

British envoy to the UN, Thomas Phipps, emphasized that Putin should bear responsibility for the ongoing conflict’s toll on Russian lives.

As both Putin and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky prepared to deliver New Year’s Eve speeches, January 1 was declared a day of mourning in Kyiv, where 19 people lost their lives.

The Ukrainian government continued to sift through the rubble from a barrage of Russian missile strikes on several cities, including the capital, which claimed 39 lives.

Despite the grim situation, Ukraine appealed to its Western allies for continued military support, with Zelensky stating, “Next year will be a time of many decisions — global decisions. And Ukraine needs to be able to influence them to achieve its goals.”

In response, Britain announced its commitment to send hundreds more air-defense missiles to Kyiv, reaffirming the resolve to stand with Ukraine for as long as necessary.

The United Nations condemned the attacks, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities.