…By Larry John for TDPel Media.
Russia has launched air strikes on several cities in Ukraine, killing at least eight people, including a mother and her two-year-old daughter, according to officials.
More than 20 cruise missiles and two drones were fired at the capital city of Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine early on Friday.
Six people died and nine were taken to hospital in Uman, while a woman and her two-year-old daughter were killed in Dnipro.
There were also explosions in Kremenchuk and Poltava.
Ukraine intercepted 21 of the 23 Kh-101 and Kh-555 type cruise missiles launched, as well as the two drones.
NATO announced that it has delivered over 98% of the combat vehicles promised to Ukraine during Russia’s invasion and war, which have strengthened Kyiv’s capabilities as it contemplates launching a counteroffensive.
Ukraine’s allies have also sent “vast amounts of ammunition” and trained and equipped more than nine new Ukrainian brigades, which will put Ukraine in a strong position to continue to retake occupied territory.
The overnight attacks and comments came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he and Chinese leader Xi Jinping held a “long and meaningful” phone call on Wednesday in their first known contact since Russia’s full-scale invasion more than a year ago.
The Chinese government has refused to criticize Moscow’s invasion, viewing Russia as a diplomatic ally in opposing US influence in global affairs.
Russia and Ukraine are far apart in their terms for peace, and the conversation between Zelensky and Xi did not appear to improve peace prospects.
The air strikes have drawn condemnation from the international community, with many calling for an immediate end to the violence.
The attacks have also raised concerns about the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has been ongoing since 2014.
The situation remains volatile, and it is unclear what steps will be taken to de-escalate tensions and bring about a peaceful resolution.