Western capitals have condemned a dangerous “escalade”. The day after the firing of an experimental Russian missile on Ukraine, there is concern on Friday November 22. kyiv has asked its allies for the latest generation of anti-aircraft defense systems to protect themselves, while Vladimir Putin ordered to continue to produce and test this intermediate-range projectile, called Oreshnik. On the ground, Russian fire left at least two dead in Sumy, in northeastern Ukraine, local authorities announced. Here's what to remember from this day.
Ukraine asks its allies for help and awaits “concrete” decisions
“The Ukrainian Defense Minister is already in discussions with our partners on new air defense systems – precisely the kind of systems that can protect lives in the face of new risks”declared Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a video message to his fellow citizens published Friday evening on social networks.
Ukraine is also awaiting decisions “concrete” against Russia following Tuesday's meeting with NATO, its Foreign Minister said on Friday. “We hope that [la réunion] will lead to concrete and significant results”declared Andriï Sybiga during a press conference. He specifies that kyiv will raise “the question of [comment] limit Russia's ability to produce this type of weaponry”.
Vladimir Putin orders to continue producing this experimental missile
Boasting “the power” of this weapon,he Russian president ordered Friday to mass produce and continue combat testing this new Orechnik hypersonic ballistic missile. “We will continue these tests, including in combat situations, depending on the situation and the nature of the threats to Russia’s security,” he said during a meeting with military officials broadcast on television.
The day before, Vladimir Putin placed the responsibility for the escalation on the West, after Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory with American and British missiles. In a speech to the nation, he said that the war in Ukraine had now taken on a “global character” and threatened to strike countries supplying weapons to kyiv.
Ukrainian Parliament deserted for fear of Russian strikes
The Ukrainian Parliament canceled its session on Friday for fear of Russian strikes in the heart of kyiv, the day after Russia fired its new missile. There Rada to “canceled” his session due to “signals of an increased risk of attacks against the government district in the coming days”explained several deputies to AFP.
In the heart of kyiv, this district where the presidency, the seat of government and the Central Bank are also located, has so far been spared the bombings. Access is strictly controlled by the army. Presidential spokesperson Volodymyr Zelensky, for his part, assured that the presidential administration “worked as usual while respecting the usual safety standards”.
Russian shooting leaves at least two dead in Sumy, northeastern Ukraine
Sumy, a town near the Russian border, was hit on Friday by Russian strikes which left at least two dead, local authorities reported Friday. The mayor, Artem Kobzar, reported on Telegram that “several massive explosions”specifying that an air alert remained in effect at 6 a.m. local time and asking residents to stay away from windows. According to the regional military administration, a residential area was struck by a Russian drone. The attack also left ten people injured, according to a preliminary report from the same source.
