Ukraine calls on allies to strengthen Patriot system; Lack of soldiers, possible Kiev lowers military service age?

According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, in the past week, Russia attacked Ukraine with more than 660 glide bombs, about 550 drones and nearly 60 missiles.

The scene after a Russian missile attack in the capital Kiev, Ukraine. (Source: South China Morning Post)

After a week of more than 1,000 attacks from Russia, President Zelensky once again called on allies to provide more US-made Patriot air defense systems.

In an article posted on the social network Telegram on January 19, Mr. Zelensky emphasized that Kiev needs "strong support from partners. More Patriot systems for Ukraine means better protection of civilian lives."

According to him, over the past week, Russia has used more than 660 glide bombs, about 550 drones and nearly 60 missiles to attack Ukraine. In response, Ukrainian air defense forces shot down 33 missiles, including ballistic missile variants, and more than 300 drones.

The Ukrainian leader posted a video showing scenes of devastation from the attacks in Kiev, Zaporizhzhia and the Donbas region in the east of the country.

Ukraine's military is facing a shortage of soldiers, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky said on January 19. "We need to increase the number of mechanized brigades. However, the current mobilization capacity is not enough to meet this need," he said.

In addition, to strengthen the frontline forces, he revealed that soldiers are now being withdrawn from logistics, supply and maintenance units “within reason” to fill gaps and form new units. However, the move has been controversial as Ukrainian air force units have complained that many highly qualified personnel are being sent to the frontline.

Ukraine is currently short of soldiers for its frontline forces, partly due to an age limit on reservists. While all men must complete basic military service from age 18, only those 25 and older can be deployed to combat. Some of Ukraine’s allies have called on Kiev to lower the age limit.

Also on January 19, Moscow accused Ukrainian forces of killing at least seven civilians in the Kursk region in southern Russia during their occupation of the area.

Russian Central Investigative Committee spokeswoman Svetlana Petrenko called it a "terrorist act against civilians" and said those responsible would be brought to justice.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/ukraine-calls-on-dong-minh-tang-cuong-he-thong-patriot-thieu-binh-linh-kha-nang-kiev-ha-tuoi-nghia-vu-quan-su-301588.html