In response to Russia's recent large-scale missile attack on Ukraine on January 2, Baltic leaders have stepped forward to voice their support for Ukraine and call for increased defensive aid. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics have both emphasized the need for more air defense systems to be provided to Ukraine.
President Nauseda, expressing his views on social media platform X, praised the Ukrainian forces for their effective use of the air defense systems provided by the West, but stressed that Ukraine needs more support to continue its defense. He explicitly called for the immediate provision of additional air defense systems to Ukraine.
Similarly, President Rinkevics, also on X, acknowledged the efficiency of Ukrainian air defense and urged for more assistance to be given to the country. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the time for New Year's celebrations is over and the West must now act seriously and swiftly.
The call from the Baltic leaders comes in the wake of a devastating missile attack by Russia that targeted Kyiv, its surrounding region, and Kharkiv. The attack resulted in significant casualties, with at least five people killed and 119 injured, including children, as reported by the State Emergency Service. The attack also caused substantial damage to critical infrastructure and various civilian and military facilities.
Ukraine's Air Force reported that a total of 72 Russian missiles were intercepted and shot down over Ukraine, showcasing the effectiveness of the current air defense systems. However, the scale of the Russian attack, which involved at least 99 missiles of various types, underscores the urgent need for additional defensive support as highlighted by the Baltic leaders.
