Pentagon promises unwavering support for Ukraine
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (photo: Getty Images)
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin held a phone conversation with Ukrainian Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov on Friday, December 29. The sides discussed the extensive missile attack by Russia against Ukraine and outlined the prospects for further intergovernmental cooperation, according to Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder.
During the dialogue, the defense ministers discussed the severe air attacks by Russia and the current situation on the front lines. Secretary Austin reaffirmed the unwavering support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression and the coalition of around 50 NATO members and partners.
Both leaders also agreed to continue maintaining contacts in the future.
Extensive shelling in Ukraine
On Friday, December 29, Russian invaders carried out the most extensive attack on Ukraine since the start of the full-scale war.
Initially, the aggressor released kamikaze drones, followed by shelling cities with varwious types of cruise and ballistic missiles. A total of 158 enemy targets were launched across Ukraine, with 114 objects successfully intercepted by the country's air defense forces.
Due to falling debris and missile impacts, there are casualties and injuries among the civilian population in several regions of Ukraine.
U.S. President Joe Biden strongly condemned the Russian shelling of Ukraine, stating that Putin is attempting to destroy Ukraine, and he must be stopped.
John Kelly, the advisor-plenipotentiary of the U.S. mission to the UN, revealed Russia's cunning plan, during which Moscow was orchestrating the most extensive missile strike on Ukraine.
