Russian Missiles Strike Kyiv, Injuring 13 and Damaging Buildings
In a devastating assault on the Ukrainian capital, Russian missiles streaked into Kyiv early Thursday, injuring at least 13 people and causing damage to residential buildings and industrial facilities, according to local officials.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that all 31 of the Russian missiles targeting Kyiv were intercepted by air defense systems. However, debris from the downed missiles fell across the city, leading to injuries and destruction. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported thus far.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine condemned the ongoing attacks, stating, “Such terror continues every day and night.” He shared a video on social media showing firefighters battling flames in the aftermath of the missile strikes.
The assault began in the early morning, with loud blasts waking residents around 5 a.m. as air defense systems sprang into action. Many sought refuge in subway stations as orange fireballs illuminated the sky from missile interceptions.
By sunrise, the extent of the damage became apparent, with fires breaking out in residential buildings and parking lots. Vitali Klitschko, Kyiv’s mayor, reported that emergency responders were on the scene, assisting the four hospitalized individuals.
Photos released by Ukrainian officials depicted burned-out cars, shattered windows, and charred buildings in the aftermath of the attack. In the industrial Podilskyi district, a plume of black smoke rose from a targeted area, indicating a hit on a power substation.
The assault on Kyiv comes as Russian forces continue ground attacks along the front line, stretching over 600 miles. Ukraine’s military, facing challenges in troop numbers and ammunition, has struggled to contain the Russian offensive.
In a bid to bolster Ukraine’s defense, President Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, visited Kyiv on Wednesday, urging lawmakers to pass a stalled aid package. The attack on Kyiv mirrors previous Russian strategies of overwhelming air defenses with multiple missile launches.
As Ukraine calls for more air defense systems from Western allies, the need for support in the face of ongoing attacks remains critical. President Zelensky emphasized the importance of proving that terror will not prevail, highlighting the urgency for international assistance in the conflict.
The assault on Kyiv underscores the escalating tensions in the region, with the need for swift action and support to protect Ukrainian civilians and defend against further attacks.
