Ukraine war: Blasts reported in Russian city Belgorod and occupied Crimea
BBC NewsJan 03
Ukraine Calls for Increased Missile Defenses Following Russian Attacks
story
Image copyright: Sean Gallup/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
In the wake of escalating Russian attacks, Ukraine has this week reiterated its call to Western allies for increased missile defenses. Moscow's attack on Tuesday — targeting Kyiv and Kharkiv with 99 missiles and 61 drones — killed five civilians and injured scores more.
The attacks also left an estimated 260K people without power in Kyiv, as well as causing "significant" disruption to the capital's internet connectivity per internet outage monitoring sites. Power was largely restored by the end of the day, according to reports.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
With Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin sending as many as 500 missiles into Ukraine over the past five days — prompting many Ukrainians to spend much of their New Year period in bomb shelters — he has given an indication of the Kremlin’s intentions for the coming weeks. It's more imperative than ever that Ukraine is fitted with all the missile defense capabilities it needs.
Pro-Ukraine narrative
Russia's attacks on Ukraine over the past week are nothing short of premeditated terror. Ukraine not only needs the necessary missile defense capabilities but also the weapons needed to defeat Russia and stop it from spreading to Europe and elsewhere. Ukraine is confident its partners will continue to help fight for these necessary aims.
Pro-Russia narrative
Russia has reiterated time and again that its attacks only target sites of military importance. However, the same cannot be said of Ukraine. Kyiv's use of cluster munitions to attack the Russian city of Belgorod killed 25 people and left a further 100 needing treatment. This is a flagrant violation of international law and world agencies like the UN need to condemn this behavior.
