Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the interception of all Russian missiles launched against Ukraine on Tuesday, including six supersonic Kinzhal missiles, a “historic result”, information denied by Moscow.
“We have been told that these missiles are guaranteed to die because they are impossible to shoot down”underlined Zelensky, who addressed the Council of Europe (CoE) Heads of State and Government Summit, which began this Tuesday in Reykjavik, by video conference.
Russia simultaneously launched ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and “drones” to stop the work of Ukraine’s anti-aircraft defenses, Zelensky explained, ensuring that these systems nevertheless managed to “save all the lives” that were under threat.
The Ukrainian head of state thanked his country’s armed forces and allies for supporting Kiev with weapons and training of its soldiers.
“A year ago we were unable to shoot down most terrorist missiles, especially ballistic missiles. And I ask, if we can do this now, is there anything we cannot do if we are united and determined to save lives save?” he emphasized in his speech. .
However, Zelensky stressed that “much still needs to be done” to shoot down 100% of attacking missiles to become the norm, noting that Ukraine’s air defenses need to be further strengthened.
Moscow on Tuesday denied Kiev’s allegations about its air defense actions.
“Russia has not released as many Kinzhals as [os ucranianos] they say they shot it down,” said Russian Defense Minister Serguei Shoigu, quoted by the Ria Novosti news agency.
Shoigu noted that Kiev gave a number of interceptions three times higher than reality.
The Kinzhal missile (“Dagger” in Russian) is one of the weapons designated “invincible” by Russian President Vladimir Putin, as its speed allows it to overcome most air defense systems.
Ukraine had revealed that a Russian missile had been shot down for the first time in early May, thanks to the powerful US Patriot anti-aircraft system, which was delivered to Kiev in April.
Speaking to the CoE, Zelensky welcomed the creation of a registry of damages caused by Russia, an initiative of this body which is expected to be endorsed by the leaders present at the summit.
For the ruler, this initiative comes closer to establishing “a compensation mechanism that will show the world that it is not even worth thinking about aggression.”
Zelensky also assured that he is “one hundred percent sure” that the end result of international efforts will be the establishment of an international tribunal before which those responsible for the Russian invasion will be held accountable.
The military offensive launched by Russia in Ukraine on February 24, 2022 has so far led to the flight of more than 14.7 million people – 6.5 million internally displaced persons and more than 8.2 million to European countries – according to the latest data from the UN, which classifies this refugee crisis as the worst in Europe since World War II (1939-1945).
At least 18 million Ukrainians need humanitarian aid and 9.3 million need food aid and housing.
The Russian invasion – justified by the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, with the need to “denazify” and demilitarize Ukraine for Russian security – was condemned by the international community at large, which responded by sending weapons to Ukraine and Russia political and economic sanctions.
The UN presented as confirmed since the start of the war, which entered its 447th day this Tuesday, 8,836 civilian deaths and 14,985 wounded, underlining that these numbers are well below the real ones.
Source: DN
