In a significant escalation of hostilities, at least 14 people have been injured in a major Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv, as reported by city authorities. This latest assault saw Russia launching 250 drones and 14 ballistic missiles against Ukraine's capital, marking one of the largest combined aerial assaults on the city since the onset of the war. The Ukrainian air force confirmed that it successfully intercepted six missiles and 245 drones, mitigating the potential devastation.
The attack resulted in fires breaking out in residential buildings, creating chaos and fear among the local population. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on the attack via social media platform X, stating that with each strike, the international community grows increasingly aware that the prolongation of the war is primarily due to actions taken by Moscow.
This barrage of missiles and drones came just hours after a prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine, an agreement reached during discussions held in Turkey. Describing the night as particularly harrowing, Zelensky noted that numerous fires and explosions erupted throughout Kyiv, damaging homes, businesses, and vehicles due to direct strikes or falling debris.
Local residents are feeling the brunt of this renewed violence. Olha Chyrukha, a 64-year-old woman living just outside central Kyiv, expressed her despair to the Reuters news agency, saying, "I wish they'd agree to a ceasefire. To bomb people like this - poor children. My three-year-old granddaughter was screaming scared." Such sentiments reflect the growing anxiety among civilians caught in the crossfire of this ongoing conflict.
President Zelensky emphasized that the only viable path towards a ceasefire would be through the implementation of additional sanctions aimed at key sectors of the Russian economy. His assertion underlines the belief that international pressure might compel Moscow to reconsider its aggressive stance.
Adding to the tension, Russia's Ministry of Defence claimed that Ukraine had launched hundreds of exploding drones targeting various regions, including strikes over Moscow. The Ministry reported that a total of 485 drones had been shot down, indicating the intensifying aerial conflict between the two nations.
This recent attack on Kyiv highlights the ongoing volatility in the region and raises concerns about the safety of civilians amidst the escalating conflict. As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes peace and safety for all affected populations.
