In a significant escalation, Russia launched an extensive missile and drone assault on Kyiv early Monday, resulting in the deaths of at least nine individuals and injuring 46 others, including five children, as reported by Ukrainian officials. The aftermath of the attack has left rescue operations ongoing, with authorities cautioning that the death toll may increase as efforts continue.
The attack caused extensive damage to residential areas throughout the Ukrainian capital. Emergency services reported that at least 15 apartment buildings were affected, with some being completely destroyed. In Kyiv’s Podilskyi district, a nine-story residential block suffered severe damage, prompting rescue teams to work tirelessly to extract people trapped beneath the debris.
Additionally, in the Bucha district, located northwest of Kyiv, another casualty was reported. Russia’s Defense Ministry acknowledged the operation, describing it as a “massive” strike utilizing long-range missiles and drones. The ministry claimed the targets were military, energy, and airfield infrastructures in Kyiv and various other regions across Ukraine.
This assault follows closely on the heels of another major Russian strike that took place just days earlier, which resulted in the deaths of at least 27 people in Kyiv. This previous attack was noted as one of the deadliest incidents to hit the city this year, highlighting the ongoing intensity of the conflict.
In the face of these developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the situation, stating that fighting persists around the strategically significant town of Kostyantynivka in the Donetsk region. He firmly dismissed Russian claims that the town had been captured, underscoring the resilience and continued efforts of Ukrainian forces in the region.