Russia accuses Ukraine of hospital attack, EU pledges 'unconditional' support for Kiev

Russia accuses Ukraine of attacking a hospital in Novoaidar in the Luhansk region, killing 14 people. The president of the European Commission said the EU supported Kiev "unconditionally".

According to the Guardian, on January 28 (local time), the Russian Defense Ministry accused the Ukrainian army of attacking a hospital in the town of Novoaidar, Luhansk region. The incident left at least 14 people dead and 24 others injured.

"They deliberately attacked a functioning civilian medical facility. This is an act of serious consequences by Kiev. Those who planned and carried out the attack will be investigated and held accountable," the Russian statement said.

HIMARS missile system fires. Photo: Insider

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Kiev knew that the hospital in Novoaidar had been providing medical assistance to local residents and Russian military personnel for several months. The weapon used by Ukraine in the attack was the HIMARS missile system.

On the same day, the Russian military announced that it had successfully intercepted eight Ukrainian missiles near the city of Donetsk and the town of Valeryanovka. In addition, nine other Ukrainian UAVs were also shot down in Luhansk, Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia.

EU pledges 'unconditional' support for Ukraine

According to Sky News, on January 28 (local time), President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the European Union's (EU) commitment to "unconditional support" for Ukraine.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Photo: SN

“We will support Kiev's efforts without any questions or demands,” Von der Leyen said.

Von der Leyen's remarks come ahead of the EU-Ukraine Summit, which will be held on February 3.

Russia tests new air defense system in Ukraine

According to Sputnik, on January 28, a Russian military official revealed that the country will test the latest version of the Pantsir-SM air defense missile system in Ukraine.

Sputnik sources said that the new version of Pantsir is equipped with 48 missiles, can detect targets at a distance of 75km and intercept targets at a distance of 40km. This air defense system is designed to focus on intercepting missiles of the HIMARS complex and enemy UAVs.

Ukraine wants to receive 24 fighters from the West

According to Sky News, on January 28 (local time), Mr. Yurii Ihnat - spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force announced that the country has asked Western allies to transfer 24 fighters. Mr. Ihnat said that Kiev wants to receive fighter jets such as the US F-16, the French Rafale and the Swedish Gripen.

As of now, the US has not agreed to transfer F-16 fighters to Ukraine, either directly or through a third country. However, a senior British air force official revealed that "fighter jets are not a top priority, but the transfer is not impossible."