Ukrainian air defenses intercept six Kinzhal, six Kalibr missiles that Russia launches on Kyiv. Putin is plotting to blow up the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to force Ukraine to end war on Russia’s terms, Zelenskyi says. Russian forces shell Kherson, injuring 23, including three children.
Ukrainian air defenses intercept six Kinzhal, six Kalibr missiles that Russia launches on Kyiv
In the afternoon on Friday, June 16, Russia launched another major missile strike on Ukraine. The air defenses shot down six Kinzhal ballistic missiles and six Kalibr cruise missiles in the skies over Kyiv region just outside the capital.
This is the biggest air strike on Kyiv in the past weeks.
On Friday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in the Ukrainian capital. Ramaphosa is visiting Ukraine as part of the African “peace mission” that comprises the leaders of South Africa, Zambia, the Comoros, Republic of Congo, Egypt, Senegal and Uganda. The African delegation will then travel to St Petersburg, Russia.
Seven people, including two children, were injured in Kyiv region following a missile attack. “The number of injured in the terrorist missile strike has increased [to seven]. Seven people sought medical help. Anticipating the questions, I would like to say that they have light injuries, no one suffered severe or mild injuries, but there were two children among the injured. They are two boys, ages four and 13,” head of the National Police in Kyiv region Andriy Nebytov said on television.
Putin plotting to blow up Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to force Ukraine to end war on Russia’s terms, Zelenskyi says
Russian President Vladimir Putin is plotting to blow up the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to force Ukraine to end the war on Russia’s terms, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi said in an interview with NBC News.
Russia’s interest is to destabilize Ukraine, he added.
“Russia does want to blow up the station. Because like with the [Kakhovka] dam, they are not interested in Ukraine’s security. They always need instability here and want the world to pressure Ukraine to stop the conflict,” Zelenskyi said.
Russian forces captured the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant — the largest in Europe — following fighting in nearby Enerhodar on March 4, 2022. Russia’s shelling has caused damage to the plant’s facilities. Russia holds the station’s employees prisoner.
Russian forces shell Kherson, injuring 23, including three children
On Friday, Russian forces launched an artillery strike on Kherson, injuring 23, including three children, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak said.
All injured were taken to hospital, three people were in serious condition, he said. The others suffered light or mild injuries. Yermak said the strikes hit the Tavriyskyi and Korabelnyi districts, and the central part of the city, damaging a medical facility, a kindergarten, a supermarket, apartment buildings, cars and overhead power lines.
Russian forces have been constantly shelling Kherson, as evacuation continues after Russia blew up the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station, flooding a vast area. On June 11, the Russians fired at a civilian boat attempting to rescue people from the left bank of the Dnipro in Kherson region. Three people were killed and 20 others injured.
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The effects of forced mobilization on enslaved nations of Russia. Ukraine in Flames #463
The aggressive war waged by Russia against Ukraine has resulted in a considerable negative impact on the forcibly mobilized people enslaved nations of Russia. Our knowledgeable experts will delve into the effect of this forced mobilization on the Russian economy, as well as the varying degrees to which different regions of Russia are affected by sanctions and mobilization. In order to understand the need for a robust humanitarian policy in enemy territory on the Ukrainian side, tune in to Ukraine in Flames #463. Our experts will discuss the results of their research on the Russian media sphere and the population’s response to mobilization efforts. Additionally, they will explore how new identities rooted in tradition can emerge in these territories during the post-war period.
Guests:
- Yuriy Syrotyuk, Director of the non-governmental Analytical Center “Ukrainian Strategic Research Studies”, People’s Deputy of Ukraine of the 7th Convocation, Junior Sergeant of the 5th Separate Assault Brigade
- Yurii Oliynyk, Candidate of Political Sciences, Head of Research Programs of the non-governmental Analytical Center “Ukrainian Strategic Research Studies”
- Oleksandr Chupak, Head of Economic Programs of the non-governmental Analytical Center “Ukrainian Strategic Research Studies”
- Rostyslav Martyniuk, Historian, Political Expert, TV Journalist