Ukraine, ‘500 Russian missiles and drones in 5 days’. Zelensky calls for more weapons from the West

Massive attacks hit residential buildings in Ukraine and a border region with Russia, while an escalation of airstrikes has wounded dozens of people and prompted Kiev to urge faster Western weapons shipments. The bombing of mainly Kiev and northeast Kharkiv came less than 24 hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to step up attacks following an unprecedented Ukrainian attack on the Russian city of Belgorod. In total, five people were killed and 130 injured, authorities said. «The enemy planned its trajectories to cause as much damage as possible. This is absolutely premeditated terror,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky argued in his nightly speech. Since December 29, Russia has launched nearly 300 missiles and more than 200 drones against Ukraine, he has declared. “We agree on the importance of strengthening Ukrainian air defense,” she added. Kiev said Moscow fired 99 missiles on Tuesday but 72 were shot down, while Russia said it shot down nine Ukrainian missiles over the Belgorod region. In Kiev a building near the city center was partially destroyed. Two people were killed and 49 injured in the capital, Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko said.