In a devastating attack on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, Russian forces launched a massive missile and drone strike, resulting in at least 10 deaths and over 100 injuries. This assault, which occurred overnight into Tuesday, is one of the most severe the city has faced in months.
The attack targeted various locations across Kyiv, with a drone hitting a residential apartment block and causing extensive damage. Initial reports indicated 15 fatalities, but officials later confirmed the death toll was 10, which includes a 62-year-old U.S. citizen. In addition, two people were killed in Odesa, a southern port city that also came under fire.
Ukraine’s Interior Minister reported that the country was struck by 440 drones and 32 missiles during this assault. The strikes lasted for over nine hours, forcing many residents to seek refuge in underground shelters as explosions rocked the city. The damage was widespread, with 27 different sites affected, including residential buildings and critical infrastructure.
Kyiv’s Mayor, Vitali Klitschko, described the destruction, noting that more than 40 apartments were obliterated and there were fears that more people might be trapped beneath the rubble. He accused Russia of using cluster munitions filled with ball bearings to maximize casualties.
Rescue operations continued into the afternoon, with emergency workers struggling against the chaos. Explosions and sirens disrupted their efforts, making it difficult to locate survivors. The Ukrainian government has been grappling with the aftermath of this attack, which President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned as "pure terrorism."
Zelensky, attending the G7 summit in Canada at the time, criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for the strikes, asserting that they were carried out solely because Russia could afford to continue the conflict. He emphasized the need for the international community to recognize the suffering of ordinary people rather than allowing terrorists to evade consequences.
In the wake of these attacks, Ukraine has also been active on the offensive, with reports of drone strikes hitting Russian regions. The ongoing conflict shows no signs of abating, as both sides continue to launch attacks amid failed ceasefire negotiations.