Russia’s overnight assault on Kyiv resulted in 10 fatalities and at least 38 injuries, according to Ukrainian officials, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
In a large-scale attack on Kyiv, Russia has reportedly killed 10 people and injured at least 38 others, as confirmed by Ukrainian officials on Thursday. The assault involved both drone and missile strikes, which also caused extensive damage to buildings across the city.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of life, noting that a child was among the victims. “Right now in Kyiv, first responders are clearing the rubble of an ordinary residential building after a Russian strike,” he stated on social media platform X. Zelenskyy criticized Russia’s continued military aggression, saying, “Russia chooses ballistics instead of the negotiating table. It chooses to continue killing instead of ending the war.” He emphasized that this behavior indicates Russia’s lack of fear regarding potential consequences for its actions.
The president also called for new, stringent sanctions against Russia, arguing that the time for diplomatic solutions has passed. “All deadlines have already been broken, dozens of opportunities for diplomacy ruined. Russia must feel accountable for every strike, for every day of this war,” he declared, paying tribute to the victims of the conflict.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that it successfully intercepted a significant number of incoming threats during the attack, managing to down 563 out of 598 drones and 26 out of 31 missiles launched by Russia. Despite these efforts, officials noted that 13 locations were hit, and debris from the strikes fell in 26 areas around the capital.
Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, described the nature of the attacks as typical of Russian tactics. He stated on Telegram, “Combined strikes, from different directions. And systematic, targeting ordinary residential buildings.” This pattern of aggression has raised concerns among residents and officials alike.
Damage reports indicate that numerous buildings, including several high-rise apartment blocks, were affected. In the Darnytskyi district, a five-floor building was partially destroyed, prompting rescue teams to search the rubble for any individuals who may be trapped. Emergency crews were dispatched to respond to the aftermath of the attacks at more than 20 locations throughout the city, where fires broke out in various areas.
António Costa, president of the European Council, expressed his horror at the attacks, stating, “My thoughts are with the Ukrainian victims and also with the staff of @EUDelegationUA, whose building was damaged in this deliberate Russian strike.” He reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, saying, “The EU will not be intimidated. Russia’s aggression only strengthens our resolve to stand with Ukraine and its people.”
In a separate development, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed that its air defense systems intercepted 102 Ukrainian drones during the same night of the attack.
The situation in Kyiv remains tense as the city grapples with the aftermath of this latest wave of violence. Ukrainian officials continue to call for international support and accountability for the ongoing conflict, which has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction.
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