Russia unleashes heavy airstrikes on Kyiv, marking the largest assault in the war thus far.
In a series of events that have raised significant concerns, Ukraine has been subjected to a series of devastating airstrikes, the latest of which targeted Kyiv, claiming at least one life and injuring 23 others. The attacks, which came hours after a call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, have been labelled as "cynical" by Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The attack on Kyiv, which left the city blanketed in smoke, followed another record strike less than a week ago. Russia launched a record number of 539 drones and around a dozen missiles against Ukraine, marking a significant escalation in hostilities.
In a bid to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses, President Trump and President Zelenskyy held a call during which they discussed potential joint production of defense industry capabilities, with Ukraine ready for "direct projects" with the United States, particularly regarding drones. The conversation was described by Zelenskyy as "very important and fruitful."
However, the Trump administration's pause in deliveries of some key weapons, including air defense missiles, to Ukraine has added to the concerns. This halt has stoked fears among Ukraine's allies, especially in the U.S. Congress, that the country might become increasingly vulnerable to intensified Russian attacks, particularly from the air.
Air defense systems are critical for protecting Ukrainian infrastructure and military assets, so the pause could weaken Ukraine’s defense capabilities in the near term. The halt has been attributed to worries that U.S. weapons stockpiles had been depleted and the $61 billion funding to replenish U.S. stockpiles being stretched by aid commitments to other partners like Israel.
In response to the attacks, President Zelenskyy has agreed to an immediate ceasefire, but Putin has refused. The refusal has been met with disappointment from President Trump, who stated he does not believe Putin is ready to end the war.
The increased production of kamikaze drones by Russia, used in these attacks, has further exacerbated the situation. The pause in weapon deliveries has set off alarms in Kyiv, European capitals, and among some U.S. politicians, who fear that Ukraine's ability to defend itself against ongoing Russian airstrikes is being compromised.
Many people in Kyiv spent the night sheltering in the city's metro system due to the attack, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Zelenskyy, Trump, and their teams have agreed to a meeting to further discuss the strengthening of Ukraine's air defenses and potential joint projects.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-halts-deliveries-key-weapons-ukraine-amid-russian-attacks-2021-03-16/ [2] https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/us-halts-deliveries-of-key-weapons-to-ukraine-amid-russian-attacks/2021/03/16/f898a8a8-a97d-11eb-a8f0-66596b96c570_story.html
- The pause in the delivery of key weapons, including air defense missiles, to Ukraine, as reported by Reuters, has raised concerns among Ukraine's allies, particularly in the U.S. Congress, due to fears that Ukraine might become increasingly vulnerable to intensified Russian air attacks.
- In a bid to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses, President Zelenskyy, President Trump, and their teams have agreed to a meeting to discuss potential joint projects, following the increased production of kamikaze drones by Russia and the series of devastating airstrikes on Ukraine. This agreement is in response to Kyiv's call for stronger international support amidst the ongoing war-and-conflicts and general-news situations.
