**Russian Troops Strike Ukrainian City Kherson, as Kyiv Seeks Advanced Western Weapons**
* Russian forces launch attacks on Kherson, recently retaken by Ukraine.
* Kyiv urges Western allies to provide advanced weaponry, including long-range missiles.
* Ukrainian President Zelenskyy appeals to U.S. President Biden for Patriot air defense systems.
* Western officials express concerns about escalating tensions and potential for wider conflict.
* Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, fighting intensifies in eastern Ukraine.
MOSCOW, Russia – Russian troops pounded the recently retaken Ukrainian city of Kherson with artillery fire on Saturday, as Kyiv pressed Western allies to provide advanced weaponry, including long-range missiles, to counter the renewed offensive.
The strikes on Kherson, which was liberated by Ukrainian forces in November, came as Russian President Vladimir Putin met with his top military commanders to discuss the war in Ukraine. The meeting took place amid mounting pressure on Putin to escalate the conflict, with some Russian military bloggers calling for a wider mobilization and more aggressive tactics.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a video address to the nation, said that Russian forces had launched 33 airstrikes and 109 missile attacks on Ukrainian territory in the past 24 hours. He appealed to U.S. President Joe Biden for Patriot air defense systems, which would help Ukraine intercept Russian missiles.
“Today, I spoke with President Biden and thanked him for another significant defense package for our country, another package of support,” Zelenskyy said. “We discussed the Ukrainian formula for peace and the need to strengthen our air defense.”
Western officials have expressed concerns about the escalating tensions and the potential for the conflict to widen. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the United States is “deeply concerned” about the Russian attacks on Kherson and other Ukrainian cities.
“These attacks are a clear violation of international law and a war crime,” Blinken said in a statement. “We call on Russia to cease its attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.”
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, fighting has intensified in eastern Ukraine, where Russian forces have been making gains in recent weeks. Ukrainian forces have been fiercely defending their positions, but they have been outgunned by Russian artillery and airstrikes.
The Ukrainian military said that it had repelled Russian attacks on several fronts in the east, including the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. However, Russian forces have managed to capture several villages and towns, and they are now threatening the city of Bakhmut, a key Ukrainian stronghold.
The fighting in eastern Ukraine is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, as both sides are determined to gain ground. Western officials are urging Russia to de-escalate the conflict and engage in meaningful negotiations with Ukraine. However, Putin has shown no signs of backing down, and he has vowed to continue fighting until he achieves his goals in Ukraine.
The war in Ukraine has already had a devastating impact on the country and its people. Millions of Ukrainians have been displaced, and thousands have been killed or injured. The fighting has also caused widespread damage to Ukraine’s infrastructure and economy.
Western governments have provided billions of dollars in military and financial aid to Ukraine, and they have imposed sanctions on Russia in an effort to pressure Putin to end the war. However, the conflict continues to drag on, and there is no clear end in sight.
The international community is watching the situation in Ukraine with growing concern. Western officials are urging Russia to de-escalate the conflict and engage in meaningful negotiations with Ukraine. However, it remains to be seen whether Putin is willing to compromise or whether the war will continue to escalate..
