Russia-Ukraine updates: ‘We can down most Russian missiles,’ Zelenskyy says

As Russia continued to attack Ukraine’s critical civilian infrastructure, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pledged that his military would up its air defense systems to counter incoming Russian missiles.

Zelenskyy said, “Those treacherous blows on critically important facilities are characteristic tactics of terrorists.” He added, “The world can and must stop this terror.”

Even though Ukraine currently doesn’t have the technical ability to down all of the missiles and drones Russia sends incoming, it is only a matter of time before Ukraine “will achieve that” with the help of partners, he said.

The latest airstrikes have caused power outages in many parts of the country.

In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy noted that Saturday Ukrainian forces downed 20 Russian missiles and more than 10 Iranian-made drones. Earlier, the Ukrainian air force confirmed that of 33 missiles fired at Ukraine by Russia that 18 were shot down.

Here are the other main headlines from the war in Ukraine on October 23:

G7 condemns Russia’s takeover of Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

The leaders of the G7 nations condemned Russia’s kidnapping of the Ukrainian officials responsible for the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

In a statement, they condemned the abduction of the plant’s leadership and said that Russia must immediately return full control of the plant to Ukraine.

Russian forces took control of the nuclear plant in the initial aftermath of the February 24 invasion. 

The urgent meeting of the G7 leadership came a day after Moscow launched more than 80 missiles at Ukraine. The attack killed at least 19 people and left 105 injured.

The G7 also condemned Putin’s nuclear sabre rattling.

Former Motor Sich owner detained on treason charges

Ukrainian forces detained Vyacheslav Boguslaev, the former owner of Motor Sich, a well-known manufacturer of aircraft engines in Ukraine.

He has reportedly been charged with treason.

Several Ukrainian media outlets reported that after being detained, Boguslaev was whisked off to Kyiv. 

Reports quoted security sources who said that Boguslaev, a former member of parliament, was suspected of collaborating and assisting the Russian occupation of four Ukrainian regions, including Zaporizhzhia.

Citing security sources, Ukrainian journalist Iryna Romaliyska wrote in a Facebook post that Boguslaev was known for his pro-Russian views and was in contact with Russian intelligence services. Boguslaev allegedly helped to supply Moscow with aircraft parts, she said.

Kyiv warns of a ‘humanitarian catastrophe’ after Moscow’s airstrikes

The Ukrainian government warned that Russia’s escalating attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure could spark a major “humanitarian catastrophe.”

Kyiv said at least 40% of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has already been destroyed. The attacks have forced the country to brace for a cold winter with a limited supply of power.

Ukrainians fear tough winter without heating

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Zelenskyy thanked energy service providers and grid operators who were working to rebuild critical sites despite the risk.

His office said Saturday that Russia’s airstrikes had damaged the Ukrenergo power company, leaving close to 1.5 million customers were left without electricity.

Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to Zelenskyy, tweeted that “By striking Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, the Kremlin wants to provoke new refugees” to Europe. He added that the only way to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe is to “transfer air defense and additional missiles fast.”

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal also warned that the intensified Russian attacks would “trigger a new migration tsunami.”

Kherson front lines in flux

Russian forces in Kherson urged civilians to “evacuate,” with a post on Telegram noting that “Due to the tense situation at the front, the increased danger of massive shelling of the city and the threat of terrorist attacks, all civilians must immediately leave the city” and cross to the eastern side of the Dnieper River.

Russian forces are in control east of the Dnieper River.

After warnings of a Ukrainian counter offensive to recapture the city were announced, thousands of civilians left Kherson.

At Oleshky, which is the opposite bank of the bank of Dnieper, people were seen arriving by a river boat loaded with boxes, bags and pets.

Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk wrote on Telegram, “Kherson region! Just a little bit more. Hang in there. The Ukrainian Armed Forces are at work.”

ns/ar (dpa, Reuters)

Article source: https://www.dw.com/en/russia-ukraine-updates-we-can-down-most-russian-missiles-zelenskyy-says/a-63529792?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf