Title: Death toll rises in Ukraine following Russian air assault
Byline: Isabel Vincent
Published: Dec. 30, 2023, 1:48 p.m. ET
The death toll in Ukraine has increased to 39 following the largest Russian air assault on the country since the beginning of the nearly two-year-old conflict, reports indicate.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that nearly 120 cities and villages have been affected, with hundreds of civilian objects damaged. The attack resulted in 159 wounded during the Friday assault, which saw Russia launch more than 150 missiles and drones at Ukrainian targets over 18 hours.
In response to the attack, Zelensky called on the West to continue to support Ukraine in its ongoing battle against Russian aggression. The aftermath of the assault also saw Ukrainian retaliatory air strikes, resulting in casualties in Russia.
According to the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense, the number of Russian military casualties, including killed and wounded, continues to rise, reflecting a degradation of Russia’s forces. The ministry’s Intelligence Update estimates that Russia would sustain 500,000 military personnel killed and wounded by 2025 if casualties continue at the current rate.
The conflict shows no signs of abating, and the toll on civilians on both sides of the border remains devastating.