Kyiv (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Overnight, Moscow forces unleashed a wave of 367 drones and missiles on Ukrainian cities, with Kyiv among the targets, marking the most extensive aerial assault of the war to date. This attack resulted in at least 12 fatalities and left many others injured, according to officials.
As reported by BBC, this was the second major attack on the country within 48 hours, occurring just a day after Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, experienced one of the most intense aggression since the start of the Kremlin attack.
How did Zelensky respond to the overnight bombardment?
According to President Volodymyr Zelensky’s statement on Sunday morning, rescuers operated in over 30 cities and villages following the “massive” attack.
“Russia is dragging out this war and continues to kill every day,”
he said.
“The world may go on for a weekend, but the war continues despite weekends and weekdays. This cannot be ignored.”
Kyiv is once more calling on its allies to intensify pressure on Russia to initiate a ceasefire.
“Without really strong pressure on the Russian leadership, this cruelty cannot be stopped,”
he added, calling for fresh sanctions. He said,
“America’s silence will only encourage Putin.”
What damage did the 367-missile assault cause?
Ihor Klymenko, Ukraine’s Minister of Internal Affairs, conveyed that 13 areas were bombarded, resulting in around 70 wounds, deterioration to 80 residential towers, and 27 registered blazes.
“This was a mixed, severe strike sought at civilians. The opponent once again demonstrated that its purpose is dread and death,”
he said.
How is the Ukrainian defence handling increased attacks?
The air force reported that it downed 45 cruise missiles and neutralised 266 UAVs, impacting most areas in Ukraine with strikes noted in 22 sites.
A day earlier, Russia also carried out a missile and drone attack on Ukraine, with a total of 14 ballistic missiles and 250 attack drones fired; the focus was on Kyiv, but attacks in other parts of Ukraine occurred also.
Kyiv air defences intercepted a total of 6 missiles. It is reported that Ukraine neutralised 245 drones, using both missile interceptions and electronic warfare. The missiles and drones injured at least 15 people in Kyiv, including at least two minors, causing fires and damage in a number of the Kyiv districts, but especially Obolon.
