Deadly Russian drone and missile attacks struck Ukraine’s capital Kyiv overnight, killing at least six people and injuring 22, according to city officials. The assault, described as “terrible” by Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, saw a residential building severely hit, accounting for most of the casualties.
The attack targeted Kyiv’s northwestern Shevchenkivskyi district, causing extensive damage to apartment blocks near the impact site.
Ukrainian authorities reported a massive aerial assault across the country. Ukraine’s Air Force stated Russia launched a total of 352 drones and 16 missiles, with Kyiv identified as the primary target. Ukrainian air defenses demonstrated significant capability, successfully shooting down or neutralizing 339 drones and 15 missiles. Despite the high interception rate, direct hits were reported in six locations across Ukraine, alongside falling debris noted in 25 areas.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy swiftly condemned the attack, labeling it a “cynical strike.” He asserted that Russia utilized North Korean ballistic missiles during the assault. President Zelenskyy drew a sharp contrast between Russia’s condemnation of recent Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran and Moscow’s own continued bombardment of Ukrainian cities, specifically highlighting Russia’s use of Iranian-supplied attack drones while remaining “silent” on its actions.
While acknowledging the success of Ukraine’s “sky defenders” in intercepting a “significant part” of the incoming munitions, Zelenskyy noted that “not all” were shot down. He issued a stern warning to countries near Russia, Iran, and North Korea, urging them to consider their own ability to protect lives if this “coalition of killers” “persists and continues to spread terror.”
In response to the relentless attacks and the urgent need to bolster Ukraine’s defenses, President Zelenskyy is scheduled to visit the United Kingdom on Monday, ahead of the NATO summit set to take place in the Netherlands on Tuesday. He indicated that discussions during this diplomatic visit would prioritize air defense capabilities, emphasizing his belief that these “should become the basis for a much stronger joint defense.” Furthermore, he stated plans to “agree on new and strong steps to put pressure on Russia for this war and to stop the strikes.”
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry offered a conflicting account, claiming its forces shot down 23 Ukrainian drones overnight. The overnight assault underscores the continued intensity and human cost of Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
