Russian missile strike targets cities across Ukraine
NBCAPR 17 2024
Zelenskyy Slams Allies, Russia Intensifies Attacks in Ukraine
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The Facts
After Russia once again targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure in missile and drone strikes on Thursday, Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated his country's need for Western military aid, slamming allies for engaging in "lengthy discussions" and "turning a blind eye."
According to Ukraine's Air Force, Russia launched a combination of 42 missiles and 40 drones on Thursday. Of these, 39 drones were shot down and 18 missiles were destroyed.
The Institute for the Study of War, a US military think tank that tracks the conflict, said the attacks caused "caused notable and likely long-term damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure," reporting that a number of energy facilities were either destroyed or damaged in as many as nine regions of Ukraine.
The Spin
Pro-Ukraine narrative
These Russian attacks — including on Ukraine's largest power station in Kyiv — simply would not have happened if Ukraine had the weapons it needed to defend itself — including more US-made Patriot missile defense systems. Ukraine needs these weapons as soon as possible.
Pro-Russia narrative
For humanitarian reasons, Russia did not strike Ukraine's energy infrastructure throughout the winter. However, after a series of Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory — including on the Crocus Concert Hall in Moscow — the country was forced to respond. It's now up to Ukrainian people to see sense and call for negotiations.