Russia Launches Missiles at Kyiv; Zelensky Heads to Nordics after US Aid Bid Fails.

Tensions escalate in Ukraine as Russia reportedly fired missiles at Kyiv for the second time in three days following President Volodymyr Zelensky‘s departure from the United States without securing expected military aid. Amidst these developments, Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders calls for reconsideration of the Netherlands’ military assistance to Ukraine.

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Failed Negotiations and Targeted Attacks

President Zelensky’s visit to the U.S. aimed to secure $61 billion in aid for Ukraine’s troops amid Russia’s ongoing invasion, but efforts to persuade Republican lawmakers fell short. Meanwhile, Russia’s aggression intensifies as they launched missiles at Kyiv shortly after Zelensky’s departure, prompting Ukraine’s General Staff to report the interception and downing of 10 S-400 anti-aircraft and Iskander cruise missiles.

While the exact targets of the missile strikes remain undisclosed, Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, highlighted the strikes’ focus on critical infrastructure, affirming knowledge of the targets without specifying further details. The attacks inflicted casualties and damage in Kyiv, with Mayor Vitali Klitschko reporting 53 injuries, 20 hospitalized, and significant property damage.

The assaults on Kyiv followed a drone attack on Odesa and surrounding areas, where 10 Shahed UAVs were reportedly shot down, resulting in injuries and damage to civilian targets. Despite Zelensky’s plea for aid to resist Russian aggression, U.S. Republican leaders emphasized a demand for a transformative immigration deal, delaying crucial support for Ukraine.

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Zelensky’s Diplomatic Pursuits and Nordic Alliance

Following his U.S. visit, Zelensky meets Nordic leaders in Norway, strategizing ahead of a European Union summit aiming to secure additional financial support for Ukraine. During a joint news conference with Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, Zelensky stressed the significance of European unity in supporting Ukraine, emphasizing the country’s determination in its fight against Russian aggression.

Nordic leaders, including Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and Iceland, stand in solidarity with Ukraine, highlighting the importance of global support against Russia’s invasion. In a Financial Times letter, the leaders underscored the critical need for unified opposition to Russia’s actions, warning of severe repercussions for European security if solidarity falters. Meanwhile, internal deliberations within the Netherlands question continued military aid to Ukraine amidst their own defense concerns.

READ ALSO: Zelensky’s last-ditch plea to Washington for more aid; US says Russia sees advantage in winter war deadlock.