In a significant escalation of tensions, Russia unleashed a barrage of attacks on Ukraine overnight, just as France’s newly appointed foreign minister, Stephane Sejourne, arrived in Kyiv for his first official trip abroad. The Ukrainian air force reported that a total of 40 enemy air attacks were recorded, with eight missiles destroyed and more than 20 failing to reach their targets due to active measures of electronic warfare. Russia claimed to have destroyed all designated facilities involved in producing ammunition and drones in Ukraine, but no fatalities were reported at the time of writing, although one civilian was wounded.
The attacks, which targeted various regions across Ukraine, included the use of Kinzhal missiles, known for their high speed and difficulty to intercept. Local officials confirmed the downing of missiles in at least five provinces, with the northern region of Chernihiv posting images of a large crater caused by a downed missile. While private homes and non-residential buildings were damaged, fortunately, no casualties were reported among the local population.
The timing of the attacks coincides with the visit of France’s foreign minister, signaling Russia’s disregard for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba commended Sejourne for his courage in not being intimidated by Russia’s latest large-scale missile attack and for prioritizing Ukraine in France’s foreign policy. Sejourne, in turn, affirmed France’s unwavering support for Ukraine, stating that the country remains their priority and that he will work towards resolving legal issues to facilitate French companies’ investment in military production facilities in Ukraine.
This visit follows British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s trip to Ukraine, where he announced increased military funding and reassured the country of continued Western support. Sunak and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a bilateral security agreement, which will remain in effect for the next 10 years or until Ukraine achieves its desired NATO membership.
The attacks by Russia and the swift response from France and the United Kingdom highlight the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the international community’s commitment to supporting its sovereignty. As tensions escalate, the world watches closely to see how the situation unfolds and whether further diplomatic efforts can prevent further violence and instability in the region.
