Kyiv (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Russia attacked Kyiv with missiles and drones overnight, killing at least eight people, injuring more than 70 and striking buildings in the biggest hit on the Ukrainian capital this year.
As reported, the assault ignited fires, injuring six children, while some individuals remain trapped beneath debris, according to officials.
“There has been destruction. The search is continuing for people under rubble,”
Stated the State Emergency Service.
How intense was the strike?
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated on X that the “brutal strikes” demonstrated that Russia, rather than Ukraine, is the barrier to peace. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that eight people have been confirmed dead in the capital, despite earlier reports indicating that nine had died.
The most significant incident occurred in the Sviatoshynskyi district, located west of the city center, where rescuers were still clearing rubble from two buildings, according to Klitschko. Images shared on Telegram depicted rescue teams using floodlights to carefully navigate the debris and ascending ladders propped against the building facades. Police were going door-to-door in apartments to check on residents’ safety.
Emergency services reported that rescue teams were active at 13 locations in Kyiv, assisted by climbing specialists and sniffer dogs. Additionally, there were forty outbreaks of fire.
“Mobile telephones are heard ringing beneath rubble. The search will continue until it become clear that they have got everyone,”
It said. Fires erupted in garages and administrative buildings, while falling metal fragments hit vehicles. An air raid alert lasted in the capital for six hours.
How did Zelenskiy response to attack?
Additionally, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced he would shorten his trip to South Africa on Thursday and head back to Kyiv after a Russian missile strike targeted the Ukrainian capital.
Zelenskiy, seeking to boost international support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion, stated he would promptly return to Ukraine after his meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“The Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs will conduct all essential meetings in South Africa to provide complete updates to the nation’s political and public leaders regarding the situation,”
Zelenskiy said.
Few weeks ago, in similar Russian air raids on Kyiv resulted in at least one death and multiple injuries. This occurred just weeks after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the U.S. for its “weak” response to a previous attack in his hometown, which had claimed 19 lives, including nine children.
