Ukraine is hit by Russian missiles a day after the West offers tanks
2023-01-26 15:16:19
TiranaPost
Russia launched a wave of missiles into Ukraine on Thursday, a day after Germany and the US pledged tanks to help Kiev fight the invasion.
"One person died and two others were injured after the attacks hit a building in Kyiv," the city's mayor said.
Officials also reported attacks on two energy facilities in the southern Odesa region. The barrage came after Russia said it perceived the offer of tanks as direct Western involvement in the conflict.
Ukraine's military chief said Moscow fired 55 air and sea missiles on Thursday.
Earlier, Ukraine's air force said it had shot down a group of Iranian-made attack drones launched by Russian forces from the Sea of ??Azov south of the country.
The day before, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz promised to provide Ukraine with 14 Leopard 2 tanks, after several weeks of international pressure. They are widely seen as some of the most effective battle tanks available.
The heavy armament is expected to arrive in late March or early April.
President Joe Biden later announced that the US would also send 31 M1 Abrams battle tanks, marking a reversal of the Pentagon's long-standing arguments that they are not suitable for the Ukrainian battlefield.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the move, but demanded the quick delivery of the tanks. He also called on the West to send long-range missiles and fighter jets.
