Russia convened a UN Security Council meeting on Saturday, accusing Ukraine of launching missiles and rockets targeting civilians in the city of Belgorod, resulting in at least 18 fatalities and numerous injuries. Moscow labelled the assault as an act that would face consequences.
This attack came following Ukraine’s reports of a series of Russian missile strikes on multiple cities, claiming the lives of at least 39 people and causing further casualties in Kharkiv on Saturday.
Belgorod, situated approximately 30 kilometres (19 miles) from the Ukraine border, faced repeated shelling, stated Moscow, referring to it as indiscriminate actions by Kyiv’s forces.
Unverified visuals portrayed debris scattered across streets and smoke rising from burnt vehicles in the city’s centre. This strike is considered among the deadliest on Russian territory since the conflict began in February 2022.
Russia alleged that two Vilkha missiles and Czech-made rockets were used in this assault and announced a UN Security Council meeting scheduled for 4:00 pm New York time (2100 GMT) on Saturday to discuss the Belgorod strikes.
Both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are expected to address the situation on Sunday, with the conflict nearing its second anniversary in February.
Russia’s emergencies ministry reported 12 adults and two children dead, along with 108 individuals injured, including 15 children. The Kremlin stated that Putin was briefed on the incident, while the Russian defence ministry warned of repercussions for the strike.
Amid international condemnation, Ukraine continued search efforts through rubble after the series of Russian strikes. Ukraine’s military claimed that out of 158 missiles and drones launched by Russia, 114 were neutralised.
Ukraine’s President Zelensky announced that January 1 would be a day of mourning in Kyiv, where at least 16 people lost their lives in the attacks. Local officials reported three additional casualties in Ukraine due to Russian strikes on Saturday.
NATO expressed solidarity with Poland after reports of a Russian missile briefly entering Polish airspace during Friday’s assaults. Western nations are being urged by Ukraine for continuous military support to counter the ongoing attacks.
US President Joe Biden called on Congress to swiftly approve new aid for Ukraine, stressing the urgent need for assistance to protect its people. Britain also pledged to send additional air-defence missiles to Kyiv, reaffirming support for Ukraine amid the escalating conflict.
The United Nations condemned the ongoing attacks and urged for their immediate cessation.
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