Biden calls latest Russian attack on Ukraine ‘largest air assault’ since start of war

2023-12-29 19:44:17

The president of the United States, Joe Biden. – Brian Cahn/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

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MADRID, 29 Dic. (EUROPA PRESS) –

The president of the United States, Joe Biden, described this Friday the series of Russian attacks on several Ukrainian cities in recent hours as the “largest air assault” since the beginning of the invasion more than 22 months ago.

“During the night, Russia launched its largest air assault against Ukraine since this war began,” he emphasized in a statement, in which he reproached the Kremlin for using missiles “to attack cities and civilian infrastructure.”

“The attacks hit a maternity hospital, a shopping center and residential areas, killing innocent people and injuring dozens more,” lamented the head of the White House, based on reports released by kyiv.

Biden has pointed out that this latest offensive – which has so far left almost 30 dead and more than 150 injured – “is a harsh reminder” that, with almost two years to go since the start of the invasion, the president’s objective Russian, Vladimir Putin, continues to be the destruction of Ukraine.

“It must be stopped (…) What is at stake in this fight goes far beyond Ukraine. It affects the entire NATO Alliance, the security of Europe and the future of the transatlantic relationship,” he said. saying.

Biden has taken the opportunity to ask Congress to approve the new financing bill, which includes new budget items for Ukraine, amidst the reluctance of some Republicans, who condition its approval on greater investment in security. especially with regard to border controls.

“The American people can be proud of the lives we have helped save and the support we have provided to Ukraine (…), but unless Congress takes urgent action next year, we will not be able to continue sending the weapons and supplies vital air defense systems that Ukraine needs,” he warned.

This Friday, the Russian Army launched a series of attacks that “have not been seen for a long time,” according to the spokesman for the Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Yuri Ignat, on several cities in Ukraine, including Kiev.