US pledges air-defence systems for Ukraine

The US on Monday pledged to ensure air-defence systems for Ukraine, after a large-scale air attack on Kyiv the same day, killing at least 14.

After the attack, a telephone conversation was held between the presidents of Ukraine and the United States of America, Volodymyr Zelensky and Joe Biden. 

Washington said that Biden had condemned the Russian missile strikes and expressed his condolences to the relatives of those who died as a result of the attacks.

The US president has also promised Ukraine to continue providing necessary defense assistance, including modern air defense systems.

The White House cited  Biden as saying that he is “in constant contact” with allies and partners to continue to pressure Russia, make it costly and hold it accountable for war crimes. 

The Russian military forces launched missile attacks on almost the entire territory of Ukraine, including the capital Kyiv on Monday.

At least 14 people were killed and 97 injured in the attack. The Ukrainian authorities said that  about 70 infrastructure facilities were damaged, including critically important energy facilities and about 40 residential houses.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine saidRussia had used more than 80 cruise missiles for the attack. More than 40 of them were destroyed by the Ukrainian air defense system.