Russia launches drone attack from the first day of the new year... Ukraine "will keep fighting"

[Asia Economy Reporter Haeyoung Kwon] On the first day of the new year 2023, Russia launched airstrikes on Ukraine using suicide drones and missiles.

According to major foreign media on the 1st (local time), Russia attacked Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, and other locations with the Iranian-made Shahed suicide drones, and Ukraine shot down 45 drones.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, "Drones, missiles, and everything else will not help them," adding, "They are united by fear, but we are united."

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Ukraine reported that three people were killed and more than 50 injured in Kyiv, southern Kherson, and western Khmelnytsky due to the Russian attacks that day.

Russia continued its attacks on the previous day, December 31, the last day of 2022. These attacks destroyed civilian residential facilities and hotels in Ukraine, killing at least one person and injuring more than 20. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that the long-range missile strikes targeted Ukraine’s drone manufacturing, storage, and launch facilities.

The U.S. ambassador to Ukraine criticized on the social media platform Twitter, "Russia cold-bloodedly and cowardly attacked Ukraine just hours after the New Year began," adding, "However, Putin still seems not to understand that the Ukrainian people are armed with iron."

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his New Year's speech on December 31, "What matters is the fate of Russia," and "Defending the homeland is a sacred duty to our ancestors and descendants. We have moral and historical legitimacy."

After Putin’s New Year address was broadcast, President Zelensky also delivered a speech in front of the Ukrainian flag fluttering in the darkness.

President Zelensky stated, "I have heard that there is no choice but to surrender, but we say there is no choice but victory." He emphasized, "This year, our hearts were wounded, we shed all tears, and uttered all prayers. We are fighting for victory and will continue to fight."