Ukrainian authorities reported multiple fatalities and significant infrastructure damage following a Russian missile strike, which Moscow claims was a response to a previous Ukrainian attack.
Ukrainian officials confirmed that a recent missile strike by Russia resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals and left more than 22 others injured. The attack, which occurred overnight, involved the use of a new intermediate-range ballistic missile system known as the Oreshnik, according to Russia’s Defense Ministry.
The Russian government stated that this missile strike was a retaliation for what it alleged was a Ukrainian drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s residence last month. However, both Ukraine and former President Donald Trump have disputed this claim, raising questions about the validity of Russia’s justification for the assault.
The missile strike took place shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned the nation about an impending large-scale offensive from Russia. Zelenskyy noted that the harsh winter conditions in the capital, including icy roads and streets, could be exploited by Russian forces to increase the effectiveness of their attacks.
According to the Western Command of Ukraine’s Air Force, the missile reached speeds exceeding 8,000 miles per hour. The impact of the strike was felt across several districts in Kyiv, with reports indicating that an emergency medical aid worker was among those killed in the attack. Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, provided this information.
In addition to the fatalities, Ukraine’s security service reported that five rescue workers sustained injuries while responding to the ongoing attacks. A drone also crashed onto the roof of a multistory building in the Desnyanskyi district, causing damage to the first two floors of a nearby residential structure.
As a result of the missile strike, essential services such as running water and electricity were disrupted in parts of Kyiv, as noted by Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The attack not only targeted the capital but also involved ground-and-sea-launched missiles aimed at Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, particularly affecting the western city of Lviv, according to its mayor, Andriy Sadoviy.
The situation remains tense as both sides brace for further developments in this ongoing conflict. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with calls for de-escalation and dialogue.
According to The Associated Press, the ramifications of this latest attack are still unfolding, and authorities are working to assess the full extent of the damage and casualties.