Vilniansk, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to appeal for more long-range weapons and air defenses following a devastating missile attack that resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including two children. The attack on the town of Vilniansk near Zaporizhzhia left 31 others injured, according to Ukrainian officials. In total, at least 11 civilians lost their lives, while 37 others were wounded in missile strikes across Ukraine on Saturday, as reported by Reuters.

President Zelensky expressed the urgent need for enhanced defense capabilities in the face of ongoing Russian assaults on Ukrainian cities and communities. He emphasized the importance of destroying Russian missile launchers, utilizing long-range weaponry, and bolstering the modern air defense systems to combat the relentless attacks. Images shared by Zelensky showcased the aftermath of the Vilniansk attack, depicting a large crater near a smoldering building and bodies strewn on the ground.

Ukraine’s prosecutor general, Andriy Kostin, revealed that two missiles struck Vilniansk, causing damage to infrastructure, a shop, and residential structures. The Russian defense ministry has not issued any public statements regarding the attack. Meanwhile, a video posted on the ministry’s Telegram channel purportedly showed a missile strike on a railway near the settlement of Ukrainka, situated close to Vilniansk.

Not only did Vilniansk suffer the brunt of the violence, but three villages near the eastern Donetsk region faced artillery strikes, resulting in four fatalities and seven injuries, as reported by Mr. Kostin. Despite receiving essential support from Western allies, including the supply of long-range weapons and air defense systems, Ukraine faced delays in arms delivery earlier in 2024 due to hindrances in Congress. The passage of legislation in April led to the eventual arrival of air defense systems and long-range missiles on the front lines in the subsequent month.

Attributing casualties and territorial losses to shortages of ammunition and air defense missiles caused by the delayed aid, President Zelensky reiterated the critical need for further assistance to secure victory in the war. Expressing gratitude for the support received from allies, he underscored the necessity to expedite decisions on sending additional weaponry, emphasizing that any delay in such crucial decisions could result in further loss of human lives.