Zelenskyy: Russia using Belarus to bypass Ukraine's air defenses
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Russian forces are attempting to bypass Ukrainian Shahed drone interceptors by using the territory of Belarus. As a result, drone attacks on western Ukraine have intensified in recent weeks, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said while speaking with journalists.
Zelenskyy said that recent Russian Shahed drone attacks, particularly those targeting Kovel, had been discussed at a meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.
The President said he chaired a meeting of the Staff on Thursday focused on Russian drone attacks, as well as Ukraine’s defenses and responses.
"The problem is that they see our defensive lines, the interceptor lines we are using quite effectively, and they want to bypass them. And they are doing this thanks to Belarus - Belarusian territory and technical assistance from Belarus as well. This is a serious issue. I have assigned all the necessary tasks, and there will be answers at the next meeting," Zelenskyy said.
Russian attack on Ukraine on December 26
Ukraine was attacked overnight on December 26, when Russia launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile and 99 attack drones. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 73 enemy drones.
Russian forces carried out overnight strikes on energy and port infrastructure in Ukraine's Odesa region, causing damage and power outages.
A terminal in the Mykolaiv region was also hit by Russian drones, damaging a vessel sailing under the Liberian flag.
In addition, Russian forces struck two DTEK energy facilities in the southern Odesa region, causing significant damage. Restoration work is expected to take time.
Russian attacks also hit a railway station in Kovel, damaging a locomotive and a freight car.
Mykolaiv city and its suburbs were attacked with several strike drones, preliminarily identified as Molniya-type drones, leaving parts of the Mykolaiv district without power.
Later on Thursday, Russian forces carried out a missile strike on Uman in the Cherkasy region. There were casualties, including children.
