Biden Condemns Russia's Widespread Attacks on Ukraine; Attacks Continue for Second Day

One day after Russia's widespread attacks on Ukraine, described as the "largest attack" by Moscow since the beginning of the war, Ukrainian officials say the attacks continue for a second day. The military administration of the Kyiv region announced early Tuesday that air defense systems in the capital were activated several times overnight to intercept missiles and drones launched by Russia. Details of potential damages and casualties from the attacks on Tuesday morning have not yet been released, but the Ukrainian Air Force reported multiple launches of drone groups and the takeoff of strategic Tu-85 bombers and supersonic MiG-31 interceptors from Russian airports. "Largest attack" Mykola Olshchuk, commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, described Russia's attack on Monday as the "largest" since the beginning of Moscow's war against Ukraine. According to him, on Monday, Russia fired 127 missiles and 109 drones at Ukraine, of which the Air Force shot down 102 missiles and 99 drones. The casualty count from Monday's attacks is reported to be at least seven dead and 47 injured, including four children. According to Denys Shmyhal, the Prime Minister of Ukraine, 15 regions of Ukraine were damaged in these attacks. In several areas of Ukraine, including parts of Kyiv, water and electricity have been cut off, and Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, also confirmed "significant damage in the energy sector." Zelensky added that he has spoken with the senior military commander about Ukraine's response to this attack, and Kyiv is preparing for this response. Meanwhile, Joe Biden, the President of the United States, condemned Russia's attacks on Ukraine and Moscow's actions to plunge the Ukrainian people into darkness as cruel. Biden promised further support for Kyiv, emphasizing that Moscow will "never succeed" in this war. Since the beginning of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has repeatedly targeted electricity and energy facilities in the country with drone and missile attacks, but Monday's attack is described as one of the most extensive since the start of this invasion. This attack occurred while Ukrainian forces remain present in the Kursk region of Russia, and Ukrainian officials have reported their advance. On Monday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with U.S. President Biden about his unprecedented visit to Ukraine. Modi wrote on social media that he discussed the situation in Ukraine and other topics during a phone call with Biden. According to Modi and a statement from the Indian Foreign Ministry, he emphasized India’s "full support for the immediate establishment of peace and stability" during the conversation. The White House also stated that Biden appreciated Modi's historic visit to Ukraine and the "message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine, including in the energy sector." Additionally, John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council of the White House, noted that the U.S. welcomes initiatives from any country that wishes to assist Volodymyr Zelensky in establishing peace. Modi made a historic visit on Friday, arriving in Kyiv by train, where he emphasized that "no issue should be resolved on the battlefield."