LONDON -- In a devastating attack overnight, at least nine people were killed and dozens more injured due to a coordinated Russian strike on several districts and residential areas in Kyiv, according to Ukrainian officials on Thursday. The assault involved the use of Russian attack drones and ballistic missiles that targeted the Ukrainian capital, as reported by the Kyiv City Military Administration.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense described the incident as a massive attack involving cruise missiles, drones, and ballistic weapons, marking yet another assault on peaceful cities and the homes of Ukrainians. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is currently visiting South Africa, announced on Thursday that he would cut his trip short to return to Ukraine earlier than planned. “It is extremely important that everyone around the world sees and understands what is really happening,” he stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported that nearly 70 missiles, including ballistic types, and about 150 attack drones were used in the assault. As a result, at least 70 people were injured, with 42 requiring hospitalization. Just hours later, President Zelenskyy updated the figure, indicating that more than 80 individuals had sustained injuries during the attack. Alarmingly, six children were among the injured, as confirmed by the emergency service through a post on the Telegram messaging app.
Rescue operations continued early on Thursday in Kyiv, where first responders were diligently working to dig through the rubble of damaged residential buildings in search of survivors. Defense officials emphasized that these attacks serve as a stark reminder that Russia is not seeking peace but continues to perpetrate violence against the Ukrainian populace, as stated via social media by the Ministry of Defense.
Beyond Kyiv, the Russian military also targeted other regions, including Zhytomyr, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Poltava, Khmelnytskyi, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia in this extensive overnight offensive. The attack has raised international concerns regarding the ongoing conflict and the humanitarian crisis facing Ukraine.
As the situation develops, the world watches closely, highlighting the urgent need for support and intervention to address the escalating violence in Ukraine.
