A medical worker runs past a burning car after a Russian attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, Oct 10, 2022 after Russian missiles rained down on cities across Ukraine. (ROMAN HRYTSYNA / AP)
KYIV/MOSCOW – Germany is sending the first of four IRIS-T SLM air defense systems to Ukraine, the government-run Ukrinform news agency reported on Monday citing the German Defense Ministry.
The recent Russian missile attacks on Kyiv and other cities show the importance of air defense capability for Ukraine, the ministry tweeted.
It did not specify when the air defense system would be delivered to Ukraine.
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IRIS-T SLM is a land-based air defense system that can hit aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, jet artillery, drones, anti-radar missiles and bombs.
Retaliatory missile strikes
Russia launched a large-scale attack against Ukrainian targets on Monday in retaliation for a deadly blast on the Crimean Bridge, President Vladimir Putin has announced.
If Kyiv continues to attempt to carry out terrorist attacks on our territory, Russia's responses will be tough.
Vladimir Putin, President, Russia
"This morning, at the suggestion of the defense ministry and according to the plan of the General Staff, air, sea and land-based high-precision long-range weapons were massively fired against Ukraine's energy, military command and communications facilities," Putin said at a meeting with permanent members of Russia's Security Council via video link.
"If Kyiv continues to attempt to carry out terrorist attacks on our territory, Russia's responses will be tough," he warned.
"The first episode is over. There will be others," Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said on Telegram, commenting on Monday’s massive strike against Ukrainian facilities.
In this handout photo taken from video and released by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Oct 10, 2022, a Russian air force pilot is seen in the cockpit of his Su-25 as it flies on a mission in Ukraine. (RUSSIAN DEFENSE MINISTRY PRESS SERVICE VIA AP)
Zelensky to hold meeting with G7
In a phone conversation with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday agreed to hold an urgent meeting of the countries of the Group of Seven over missile attacks on Ukraine.
Zelensky tweeted that he will deliver a speech at the meeting concerning the attacks, adding that his discussion with Scholz touched upon the issue of increasing pressure on Russia and restoring damaged infrastructure.
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Earlier in the day, Valery Zaluzhny, chief commander of the armed forces of Ukraine, said on Telegram that Russia fired 75 missiles against Ukraine on Monday morning, with 41 intercepted by Ukraine's air defense.
In this handout photo released by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Oct 10, 2022, a Russian warship launches a cruise missile at a target in Ukraine. (RUSSIAN DEFENSE MINISTRY PRESS SERVICE VIA AP)
At least eight people were killed and 24 others injured during the attacks, said Rostyslav Smirnov, an advisor to the Ukrainian ministry of internal affairs.
At least 11 key infrastructure facilities in eight Ukrainian regions have been damaged in Monday’s missile attacks, according to Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. As of 11 am local time (GMT 0800), several Ukrainian regions were left without electricity, he said on Telegram.
He instructed Ukrainians to prepare for temporary interruptions to water and electricity supplies and possible issues with communication services.