Zelensky vows to respond to Moscow... and a Ukrainian move to strengthen air defense

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday that Ukraine responded in kind to the Russian attacks that targeted Ukrainian data centers, at a time when Kiev is intensifying its contacts with Washington and its European allies regarding strengthening its defense capabilities.

Zelensky added, during a press conference held in Priluki, in the north of the country, that the Ukrainian delegation will discuss air defense issues with the American side, expecting European partners to join the Ukrainian-American talks in the coming days, according to what was reported by the Ukrainian “Ukrinform” agency.

The Ukrainian president also explained that the negotiating team is in Europe on Thursday, and will head to the United States on Friday and Saturday, explaining that the talks will address conveying “necessary signals” to the American side, in addition to examining ways to increase pressure on Russia and provide additional means to protect Ukraine, especially air defense systems.

Air defense systems top the list of Ukrainian demands from allies, in light of the escalation of Russian attacks on cities and infrastructure. In his contacts with European partners, Zelensky stressed the importance of strengthening his country's defense capabilities and providing the necessary means to protect vital infrastructure and facilities.

Zelensky's statements come amid a mutual escalation in targeting infrastructure, as the Ukrainian president spoke about Russian attacks that targeted Priluki, Kramatorsk, Kiev and other cities, and said that the strikes in recent days resulted in the killing of 78 people and the injury of 215 others. According to a statement by the Ukrainian presidency.

On the other hand, in recent days, Russia has intensified its strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure, targeting energy facilities in Kiev, an industrial facility in Dnipro, and a transportation infrastructure in Zaporizhya. The strikes also targeted residential buildings in Kremenchuk. In Priluki, Chernihiv region, a Russian missile hit a five-story residential building, partially destroying it, according to what Reuters reported.

Kiev seeks to expand the circle of European participation in communications with Washington, in conjunction with continuing coordination on sanctions and military support. On Thursday, Zelensky discussed with European Council President Antonio Costa the financial and defense needs of Ukraine, while European countries continue to discuss strengthening Ukrainian air defense.