At least 11 people were killed and more than 34 injured in a series of Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities overnight, which President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described as “one of the most vile strikes” on the country. The strikes targeted energy infrastructure in Pryluky, Dnipro, Kremenchik, Zaporizhzhia, and Kyiv.
Zelenskyy condemns 'birthday gift' attack
Zelenskyy ironically called the assault “a birthday gift for Putin,” as the Russian president turns 74 today. He highlighted the ongoing threat from Russian missiles and the urgent need for air defence support.
“Russian ballistic missiles remain the greatest challenge. And air defense packages for us right now are a vital necessity. That is why every day we are looking for missiles for Patriot systems that can and must actually protect people’s lives here, in Ukrainian skies,” Zelenskyy said.
Foreign minister calls for stronger support
Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, also responded to the attacks, saying: “On Putin’s birthday, Russian generals brought him his favorite present: war crimes.” He added: “What Russian generals fail to tell Putin is that he is not winning this war and never will.”
Sybiha urged partners to provide stronger support for Ukraine, including sanctions on Russia’s military-industrial complex and assistance with air defence and energy needs ahead of winter. He also mentioned preparations for the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine, stating: “Putin and his friends should know that accountability is inevitable.”
Protests continue in France
Elsewhere in Europe, high school protests continued in France following a major march in Paris that ended with sporadic vandalism and skirmishes with riot police. Officers fired teargas and carried out baton charges to disperse protesters.
Interior minister Laurent Nuñez suspended the use of stun grenades at the protests after a 15-year-old reportedly lost a hand and a 14-year-old lost several teeth. French PM Sébastien Lecornu is expected to speak later today to outline his response to the protests.
