Russia hits Ukraine in major strike, Zelenskyy says

Overnight into January 20, Russia carried out a large-scale strike using ballistic and cruise missiles as well as attack drones. Kyiv and the surrounding region, along with the Vinnytsia, Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, Poltava and Sumy regions and other areas, were hit. Repair teams, emergency responders and other services are working at the sites, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Zelenskyy said Russia fired a large number of ballistic and cruise missiles and more than 300 attack drones. Air defense units destroyed a large share of the aerial targets. The president noted that Ukraine had received the necessary missiles for air defense systems a day before the attack, significantly strengthening protection.

“Every aid package matters. Missiles for Patriot systems, NASAMS and other air defense systems are critically needed. A direct task for our entire diplomatic system is to ensure Ukraine has enough air defence capabilities. Partners must not fail on this — air defense missiles are real protection for people’s lives,” the president said.

Zelenskyy separately highlighted the difficult situation in the energy sector. A special emergency meeting will be held to assess the damage from the attack and determine the resources needed to restore electricity, heating and water supplies. The most severe situation is in Kyiv, where a large number of residential buildings have been left without heating.

“It is important that the world does not stay silent about this. Russia cannot be treated as an equal among other countries, while it is committed only to killing and cruelty. All Ukrainian officials and those responsible for state institutions, regional and local authorities, as well as energy companies, must remain in Ukraine, work on the ground, help people and stabilize the situation," the president added.