On Thursday, Russia conducted airstrikes on Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. The Ukrainian air force claims to have successfully intercepted and destroyed all 31 Russian missiles.

On the messaging app Telegram, Vitali Klitschko, the Mayor of Kyiv, reported that pieces of rockets landed in various areas of the city, damaging houses and sparking multiple fires.

Klitschko reported that a minimum of 10 individuals sustained injuries.

On Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed on social media that the fear and anxiety persist without pause, both day and night.

Zelenskyy urged for the assistance of Ukraine’s allies, specifically in the provision of air defense systems.

According to Zelenskyy, Russian terrorists’ missiles are not advanced enough to surpass leading global systems like Patriot. He emphasized the need for this type of protection in Ukraine, spanning from Kyiv to Kharkiv, Sumy to Kherson, and Odesa to Donetsk region. This can be achieved if our partners show enough political determination.

The assault on Kyiv occurred the day after President Zelenskyy held discussions with White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan.

Sullivan attempted to provide reassurance to the Ukrainian people that the United States remains committed to supporting Ukraine, and that despite a temporary hold in Congress, billions of dollars in aid will reach the nation.

During a press conference, Sullivan stated that obtaining a robust bipartisan vote in Congress is our primary strategy, referred to as Plan A.

“We will deliver the funds to you as promised, so there is no need to discuss a backup plan today.” He also admitted that the process had been “lengthy.”

Sullivan and Yermak, the chief of staff for Ukraine’s president, held a meeting to discuss Ukraine’s requirements on the battlefield, as well as two upcoming summits. These include the NATO summit in Washington, taking place in July, and a peace summit in Switzerland that is tentatively scheduled for this spring. Yermak mentioned the possibility of inviting China, an ally of Russia, to attend the summit, but stated that Ukraine will not be extending an invitation to Russia.

Climate of fear

A recent report from the United Nations’ human rights office revealed that Russia has instilled a sense of intimidation in the regions of Ukraine that it has taken over.

According to a report that gathered information from over 2,300 victims and witnesses, Moscow’s forces implemented the use of Russian language and governance, while also repressing any expressions of Ukrainian culture or identity.

“The Russian Federation’s actions have disrupted the cohesion of communities and resulted in individuals being isolated, causing significant and enduring repercussions for Ukrainian society,” stated Volker Türk, the United Nations’ high commissioner for human rights.

According to the report, the Ukrainian government disabled internet and mobile networks, as well as TV and radio channels, in the occupied areas. They rerouted traffic through Russian networks, giving them control over the information that could be accessed online. This prevented the people from receiving news from independent sources or communicating freely with loved ones. The authorities also encouraged citizens to report on each other, causing fear even among friends and neighbors.

Reuters provided some of the information used in this report.