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Russia's Massive Missile Strike on Ukraine (Image Source: Internet)
Kyiv: Russia launched a fresh overnight attack on Ukraine's capital Kyiv using ballistic missiles and drones, leading not only to the loss of nine lives, but causing widespread destruction across several parts of the city, including both residential and commercial complexes, triggering multiple fires.
According to the Ukrainian authorities, Kyiv's Solomianskyi district suffered major damage after falling missile debris struck a five-storey residential building, sparking a major fire. Emergency teams rescued 35 people from the upper floors of the building. Two people lost their lives and eight others, including two children, were injured.
The Darnytskyi district witnessed the highest number of casualties. Ukrainian emergency services said seven people were killed and 14 others were injured after the attack damaged homes, vehicles, administrative offices and non-residential buildings.
Firefighters also extinguished a blaze in a non-residential building in the Shevchenkivskyi district, while damage to residential and commercial buildings was reported in other parts of the capital. Authorities were continuing rescue and search operations in affected areas.
The latest assault came just two days after another large-scale Russian missile and drone attack across Ukraine killed at least 10 civilians and injured more than 50 others. That earlier attack also saw a Russian missile briefly enter Polish airspace, raising regional security concerns.
Russia's Defence Ministry said it had carried out a large-scale strike targeting Ukraine's military-industrial facilities and logistics centres in Kyiv. Ukrainian officials, however, said the attacks caused heavy civilian casualties and extensive damage to residential neighbourhoods.
Following the latest strikes, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renewed his appeal to the United States and Western allies for more Patriot air defence systems and interceptor missiles to strengthen the country's protection against Russian ballistic missile attacks.
He said the issue remained one of Ukraine's highest defence priorities after holding discussions with US Vice President JD Vance and following his recent meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington.
The request comes amid uncertainty over future US support. During the NATO summit in Ankara last month, President Trump indicated that the United States could allow Ukraine to manufacture Patriot systems under licence. However, during a Cabinet meeting at Camp David on Friday, he said no final decision had been taken.
Residents described growing fear as attacks become increasingly frequent. A 64-year-old Kyiv resident who took shelter during the latest air raid said powerful explosions shattered windows and damaged her apartment. She said the psychological pressure on civilians had intensified as missile attacks were now taking place almost every day.
The renewed Russian offensive has further reduced hopes of an early diplomatic breakthrough in the more than four-year-long war, with Ukraine continuing to seek stronger international military support to defend its cities from repeated missile and drone strikes.
