After the Russian bombing that targeted the capital, Kyiv, as well as other cities, the Ukrainian president confirmed Volodymyr Zelensky Monday that his country “will not be frightened” by the massive Russian strikes that hit large energy facilities and killed at least ten people.
“Ukraine cannot be frightened, it will become more united. Ukraine cannot be contained,” Zelensky said in a video clip posted on social media, promising “more painful yet” battles for Russian forces on the front.
In parallel, he said that he had a fruitful conversation with US President Joe Biden, noting that the main topic was to discuss the air defense file.
Air defense is a priority.
In a Facebook post, he added that the air defense file is a priority in defense cooperation with the United States.
He also said that America’s leadership is crucial to Ukraine in terms of the hardline stance of the G7 and its support for Kyiv’s stance in the United Nations General Assembly.
From Kyiv (AFP)
For its part, the White House said in a statement that Biden assured Zelensky by phone of strengthening Ukraine’s military capabilities, and condemned the Russian missile attacks.
The Ukrainian president had confirmed earlier today that his country will work to strengthen its military defenses.
He also confirmed in a series of tweets on his Twitter account, seeking to strengthen international support for Ukraine, in return for tightening Russia’s isolation.
Dozens of missiles
Russia has launched more than 80 long-range missiles at infrastructure in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.
While Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened a stronger and more severe response if Kyiv tried again to strike Russian territory, as he put it.
It is noteworthy that the Russian strikes today came in response to the attack that targeted last Saturday, the Crimean bridge linking the Russian mainland with the peninsula that Russia annexed to its territory in 2014.