Russia Ukraine war latest: Zelensky thanks Biden for support through ‘terrible war’ as Kyiv gets third Patriot system

The Ukrainian forces have received another Patriot system from Germany, president Volodymyr Zelensky said, thanking his allies for “more power for Ukraine”.

“The German Patriot system has arrived in Ukraine, and I extend my gratitude to Germany and the United States for this step. We will be able to do more in the skies. While much work remains ahead and this is far from guaranteed protection, nonetheless, it means more power for Ukraine,” he said in his nightly address yesterday, adding that it is likely ready for deployment.

He hinted at the countering of Russian missiles in the frontline update. “Today, the Commander of the Air Forces reported on the operations of our fire teams, the downing of ‘Shahed’ drones, and countering Russian missiles. We can now say that our air defence has been strengthened,” Mr Zelensky said.

Russia and Ukraine exchanged drone, missile and shelling attacks yesterday, killing at least two people in Ukrainian strikes on the partly Russian-occupied Donetsk region, Russian state media said.

Ukrainian officials said Russian strikes wounded at least five people. Along the frontline in the east, Russia said it had taken control of two villages, one in the Kharkiv region and one in the Luhansk region.

Ukrainian shelling of Russia-held areas of the Donetsk region killed two people in the village of Horlivka, Russian state news agency RIA Novosti said.

Three people were wounded by Russian drone strikes in southern Ukraine‘s partly occupied Kherson region, local officials said yesterday morning. In the country’s northeast, officials in the Kharkiv region said two people were wounded when a village was hit by Russian shells.

Overnight into Sunday, Ukraine’s air defences intercepted 35 of the 39 drones launched by Russia, according to air force commander Mykola Oleschuk. In addition, Russia launched three ballistic missiles and two guided air missiles, which did not reach their targets, he said.

Russia’s Ministry of Defence claimed yesterday that its troops had taken control of two villages: Pishchane Nizhne in the Kharkiv region and Andriivka, sometimes referred to as Rozivka, in the Luhansk region. Kyiv did not immediately comment.

Volodymyr Zelensky said he respected US president Joe Biden’s “tough but strong” decision to end his reelection campaign and not run for a second term.

“Ukraine is grateful to president Biden for his unwavering support for Ukraine’s fight for freedom, which, along with strong bipartisan support in the United States, has been and continues to be critical,” Mr Zelensky said.

“Many strong decisions have been made in recent years and they will be remembered as bold steps taken by President Biden in response to challenging times. And we respect today’s tough but strong decision.”

He added: “We will always be thankful for president Biden’s leadership. He supported our country during the most dramatic moment in history, assisted us in preventing Putin from occupying our country, and has continued to support us throughout this terrible war.”

“The current situation in Ukraine and all of Europe is no less challenging, and we sincerely hope that America’s continued strong leadership will prevent Russian evil from succeeding or making its aggression pay off,” the Ukrainian president said.

The PM is keen to maintain Britain’s position as one of the world’s most vocal supporters of Ukraine – a role that will become even more important as backing from other powers begins to waver, writes Mary Dejevsky.

Volodymyr Zelensky has urged European leaders to channel Winston Churchill’s “bravery” in the fight against Russian aggression.

The Ukrainian leader made his call as he spoke in the former prime minister’s birthplace, Blenheim Palace, during only his third visit to the UK since Russia’s full-scale invasion.

It is his first trip to the UK since Sir Keir Starmer entered Downing Street. Mr Zelensky is also due to meet with King Charles during the visit.

The Ukrainian leader told a summit of European leaders: “Bravery made Churchill Churchill. Bravery won the greatest battle of his life. It was the battle for Britain.