KYIV POWERLESS AGAINST RUSSIAN AIRSTRIKE
KYIV — President Volodomyr Zelensky revealed that Ukraine’s lack of air defenses made it helpless against a recent Russian airstrike that obliterated the largest power plant in the Kyiv region.
Russia targeted the Trypilska power plant with 11 missiles, with Ukrainian defenses successfully intercepting the first seven. However, the remaining four missiles caused catastrophic damage, destroying the plant.
“Why? Because we had zero missiles. We ran out of all missiles,” Zelensky lamented in an interview with PBS NewsHour.
Zelensky has been sounding the alarm about Ukraine’s dwindling air defense capabilities, as Russia intensifies attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure. Despite these warnings, a crucial military aid package from the US has been stalled by House Republicans.
Comparing Ukraine’s situation to Israel’s recent thwarted attack by Iran, Zelensky highlighted the importance of robust air defenses provided by Western allies.
Zelensky also questioned the disparity in support between Israel and Ukraine from NATO members, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance to defend against Russian aggression.
While some aid has been approved, the main $60 billion US funding remains in limbo, with House Speaker Mike Johnson promising to bring a revamped bill to the floor for a vote by the week’s end.
However, internal opposition within Johnson’s party casts doubt on the bill’s passage, leaving Ukraine’s fate uncertain.
Expressing frustration over the political gamesmanship delaying crucial aid, Zelensky urged Congress to prioritize saving lives over ratings and political posturing.
He warned that without adequate support, Ukraine faces defeat in the ongoing conflict with Russia, citing the significant artillery disadvantage the country currently faces.
“To defend 100 percent of what’s in our control, we would need to go from one to comparing numbers, 10-10,” Zelensky emphasized. — CNN
