Ukraine shot down eight Russian missiles heading towards Kiev early Monday, December 11, 2023, the Ukrainian army said, with local authorities reporting injuries.
“According to initial information, around 4 a.m. (2 a.m. GMT, editor's note)”Russia “A missile attack began on the Kiev region. In total, the air defense destroyed eight air targets flying towards the capital on a ballistic trajectory.the Ukrainian Air Force said in Telegram.
People were injured in the Darnytskyi district, the Kiev military administration reported in the same social network.
Zelensky in the United States
US President Joe Biden invited his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky to come to Washington for talks on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 “Ukraine’s Urgent Needs”the White House spokesman said Sunday as Congress blocked a new aid package.
“As Russia escalates its missile and drone attacks against Ukraine, the two leaders will discuss Ukraine’s urgent needs and the critical importance of continued U.S. support at this critical moment.”explained Karine Jean-Pierre in a press release.
Zelensky will also meet with House Republican leader Mike Johnson as Republicans block a major aid package for Ukraine, a parliamentary source said on Sunday.
“Speaker Mr. Johnson will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Capitol on Tuesday.”at a time when elected Republicans in Congress are demanding significant concessions in U.S. migration policy in exchange for their votes to pass an aid package.
The United States is currently the country that provides the most military support to Kiev, with Congress allocating more than $110 billion since the Russian invasion in February 2022.
London sends anti-mine ships
The United Kingdom will provide two ships to Ukrainian defense to help Kiev detect Russian sea mines in the Black Sea and boost its maritime exports, the British government said on Monday.
These boats “Will provide Ukraine with vital capabilities that will help save lives at sea and open important export routes.”British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said in a press release.
London's delivery of these boats coincides with the announcement of a Maritime Capability Coalition by Grant Shapps and his Norwegian counterpart Bjørn Arild Gram on Monday.
It's about “A new committed effort by the UK, Norway and our allies to strengthen Ukraine’s maritime assets for the long term”said Grant Shapps, quoted in a press release.
The aim is to make this possible for Kiev “defend its territorial waters and strengthen security in the Black Sea”he added.
This new coalition was decided at the last meetings of the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group, which brings together around fifty countries.
Russian losses
The Ukrainian General Staff has published its weekly assessment of Russian troops' losses since the invasion of the country on February 24, 2022.
According to Kiev, the Kremlin forces lost 338,820 soldiers, an increase of 700 dead in two days, as well as 10,529 armored vehicles (+10), but also 10,623 tanks and support vehicles (+25), 8,064 artillery pieces (+6), 6,136 Drones, 5,636 tanks (+4) or 1,586 cruise missiles (+1), 1,162 special equipment (+3), 919 multiple rocket launchers, 60 anti-aircraft systems as well as 324 helicopters, 324 fighter jets, 22 ships and 1 submarine.
The regular publication of these figures, which could not be verified, is part of the Ukrainian communications strategy aimed at undermining the morale of Moscow's troops.