KYIV/UN - Russia launched missile strikes across Ukraine on Thursday as the UN General Assembly will vote next week on a draft resolution stressing "the need to reach, as soon as possible, a comprehensive, just and lasting peace" in line with the founding United Nations Charter.

Ukrainian officials said air defences in the south downed eight Kalibr missiles fired from a ship in the Black Sea. Bolstered by tens of thousands of reservists drafted in December, Russia has intensified ground attacks across southern and eastern Ukraine in recent weeks, and a major new offensive is widely expected as the first anniversary of its Feb. 24 invasion nears.

The 193-member General Assembly is likely to vote next Thursday after two days of speeches by dozens of states to mark the Feb. 24 anniversary of the start of the war.

Ukraine and its supporters hope to deepen Russia's diplomatic isolation by seeking yes votes from nearly three-quarters of the General Assembly to match - if not better - the support received for several resolutions last year.

General Assembly resolutions are not legally-binding but carry political weight.

Russia was diplomatically isolated last year, when 141 states voted on March 2 to denounce its invasion and demand Moscow withdraw its troops. Just weeks later, 140 states voted to demand aid access and civilian protection and criticize Russia for a creating a "dire" humanitarian situation in neighboring Ukraine.

Moscow has tried to chip away at its isolation. Ahead of a vote in April that resulted in Russia's suspension from the UN Human Rights Council.

NATO ramps up production
NATO countries are ramping up production of artillery munitions as Ukraine is burning through shells faster than allies can make them, the alliance said.

Ukraine has received billions of dollars in military aid, with the United States committing more than $27.4 billion in security assistance since the conflict began.

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell urged countries to join Germany in sending tanks.

Britain said it and other European nations would provide military equipment including spare parts for tanks and artillery ammunition via an international fund, with an initial package worth more than $241 million.

In an evening address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said: "We have to ensure that this spring it is truly felt that Ukraine is moving towards victory."
-Reuters