World Reactions to Russian Missile Strikes on Ukraine

The missile attacks that occurred in Kyiv and all over Ukraine on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 15, drew swift responses from top officials both domestically and abroad, as well as from journalists and members of the general public.

Kyrylo Tymoshenko, the deputy chairman of the Ukrainian president’s office, posted a video of at least one five-story building on fire to social media.

Tymoshenko said on Telegram: “Most hits were recorded in the center and north of the country.

Pechersk, a historically significant area in the heart of Kyiv, known for its Kyivan Rus monuments, was heavily impacted by the strikes, according to Tymoshenko and Vitali Klitschko, Kyiv’s mayor.

Following the missile strikes, political figures from around the world showed their support for Ukraine and stood against Russian brutality.

On Nov. 15, Britain’s new prime minister, Rishi Sunak, issued a statement on social media expressing his strong support for Ukraine.

“I have just spoken with the Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary. We are urgently looking into reports of a missile strike in Poland and will support our allies as they establish what has happened.” He added, “We are also coordinating with our international partners, including NATO.”

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson issued a strong statement expressing unwavering support for Ukraine on Wednesday, Nov. 16. He promised to provide both financial and humanitarian support for Ukrainians amidst the crisis:

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“Sweden is significantly increasing our support for Ukraine’s freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Today we announced the largest Swedish military and humanitarian support packages to Ukraine to date, including a ground based air defense system.”

Paul Jonsson, Sweden’s defense minister, likewise confirmed the news and disclosed that the $287 million aid package would provide air defense systems. All-terrain vehicles, winter gear, protective gear, and tents are also included in the military package along with anti-aircraft systems.

Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra also took a stand against Russian aggression and condemned the missile strikes: “Russia’s mass attack shows Putin’s willingness to resort to criminal methods.”

He made these comments after he was forced to seek refuge from Moscow’s missiles attacking Kyiv while he was visiting the country on Nov. 15.

He also added that these strikes were “an enormous motivator to stay standing shoulder to shoulder” with Kyiv.

When some errant missile strikes struck innocent civilians in Poland, it elicited even greater worry from world leaders.

Also responding strongly against Russian aggression was the United Nations.

After the attack, UN chief Antonio Guterres stated that it was “absolutely essential” to prevent the war in Ukraine from intensifying.

In a phone call to Polish President Andrzej Duda, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his condolences. “We exchanged information and are clarifying all the facts,” Zelensky tweeted.

The news of the missile strikes also sparked a strong response from the general public and journalists both abroad and in Ukraine.

Canadian reporter Christian Borys, posted a tweet on social media platform Twitter: “Ukraine says Russia used 100 missiles today. This is terrorism meant to break the spirit of civilians by destroying access to electricity, water and heat,” he continued. “This isn’t war, At this point, any objection to supplying Ukraine with air defenses is not only immoral, it’s disgusting”

Christo Grozev, who reports for Bellingcat newspaper posted on Twitter: “Russia fired 100 missiles at Ukraine today, hitting a residential building in Kyiv and leaving whole cities without electricity.” He added, “These young men and women were inputting the missile flight paths, again,” referring to a Bellingcat investigative report on those who coordinate the flight paths of Russia’s ballistic arsenal from comfortable control rooms.

The attacks take place as world leaders gather in Bali for the G20 summit, where most leaders attending the summit have vehemently denounced the conflict in Ukraine.

Andriy Yermak, Zelensky’s chief of staff, also provided a comment relating to this, stating “Russia responds to Zelensky’s powerful speech at the G20 with a new missile attack. Does anyone seriously think that the Kremlin seriously wants peace?”

Following the missile strikes in Kyiv and surrounding areas, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was in attendance at the G20 summit, strongly condemned the attack and expressed his support for Ukraine on social media.

“Today, as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues to wreak havoc on supply chains around the world, I joined @G20org leaders to discuss food and energy security. I condemned Russia’s war and highlighted how Canada is stepping up to support people both at home and abroad.”

The situation in Kyiv remains critical, and is continuing to garner global attention.

Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that there were emergency shutdowns throughout Ukraine.

“This is a necessary step to balance the power system and avoid equipment accidents,” he said, noting that as a result, at least half of Kyiv was without power.

Authorities in Ukraine have also highlighted how this missile strike may possibly be the worst since the invasion began.

Apart from Kyiv, missile strikes have also been reported in Kharkiv and Lviv.

Lviv and Kharkiv both experienced blackouts after being hit by Russian missiles specifically targeting energy infrastructure.

Dimko Zhluktenko, a resident of Lviv, made a statement close to the location of the missile strikes, describing his experience of the situation: “I have no electricity in Lviv. Definitely some of the missiles were intercepted. I heard it clearly.”

Governor of Kharkiv Oleh Synyehubov also commented on the Russian missile strikes and confirmed that energy and electricity is currently unavailable in his city after key energy infrastructure was hit: “Electricity has been completely lost across the Kharkiv region.”