A devastating missile strike rocked Kyiv early Tuesday morning, leaving behind a scene of chaos and destruction. The attack, which hit a residential building in the Solomianskyi neighborhood, resulted in at least 23 confirmed deaths and many more injuries. This assault is part of a larger wave of attacks across Ukraine, with the air force reporting over 440 drones and 32 missiles launched by Russian forces.
Evhen Povarenkov, a 43-year-old warehouse worker, was in bed when the missile struck. The blast shattered his apartment, leaving him with cuts and bruises. His elderly mother was also in the building and suffered serious injuries, including broken collarbones and internal damage. Povarenkov recalled the terrifying moment: "There was heat, fire, and smoke. I lost consciousness. When I came to, I heard my mother screaming."
The missile tore through a nine-story building, destroying 35 apartments and leaving personal belongings scattered everywhere. Residents described a scene of panic as they tried to escape from the flames and falling debris. Many were unable to reach safety in time, leading to a high number of casualties.
Rescue operations continued into Wednesday, with emergency workers combing through the rubble in search of survivors and victims. By the afternoon, the death toll had risen to at least 30 across Ukraine, with most casualties occurring in Kyiv. The strikes marked one of the most severe attacks on the capital since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
As the situation unfolded, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was attending the G7 conference in Canada. The timing of the strikes raised suspicions that they were meant to send a message to the international community. Zelensky’s planned meetings with world leaders were overshadowed by the crisis back home, and discussions of support for Ukraine were complicated by the ongoing violence.
In the aftermath, residents gathered to mourn their losses, laying flowers at the site of the attack. Many are now left without homes and are seeking shelter with friends or relatives. The need for international assistance, particularly in bolstering air defenses, has never been more urgent. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the search for answers and support continues.