Russia Launches Missile Attack on Kyiv, Intercepted by Ukrainian Air Defenses
In the early hours of Thursday, Russia fired a barrage of 31 ballistic and cruise missiles towards Kyiv, marking the first attack on the Ukrainian capital in 44 days. Fortunately, all incoming missiles were intercepted by Ukrainian air defenses, preventing significant damage. However, 13 people, including a child, sustained injuries from falling wreckage caused by the intercepted missiles.
The residents of Kyiv were jolted awake by the sound of explosions around 5 a.m. as the missiles descended from different directions simultaneously, according to Serhii Popko, head of the Kyiv City Administration. Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched two ballistic missiles and 29 cruise missiles targeting the capital.
Despite being well-fortified compared to other regions in Ukraine, Kyiv’s robust air defense systems have consistently thwarted Russian attacks, resulting in relatively minimal impact on the capital compared to the early stages of the conflict.
Following the attack, an 11-year-old girl and a 38-year-old man were hospitalized, while eight others sustained minor injuries, as confirmed by Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Approximately 80 individuals were evacuated from their homes due to the incident.
The falling debris ignited fires in at least one apartment building, damaged parked cars, and created craters in streets and public areas. The aftermath of the attack left streets strewn with debris, including shattered glass from windows.
The missile strike on Kyiv came in response to repeated aerial assaults by Ukraine on Russia’s Belgorod region near the border. The recent attack in Belgorod injured five individuals, damaging homes and the city’s sports stadium, according to Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov. Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed to have intercepted 10 rockets over the region.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously warned of retaliation for such attacks. At a Kremlin event, Putin stated that Russia would respond proportionately, targeting civilian infrastructure and other similar objects attacked by the enemy.
In response to the escalating attacks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appealed to Western allies for additional air defense systems to bolster the country’s defenses against missile strikes. Zelenskyy emphasized the urgent need for unity among the international community to counter the ongoing threats.
Despite the intercepted missiles in Kyiv, Russia has redirected its focus to other Ukrainian cities, employing drones and ballistic missiles in its offensive. Recent attacks in the eastern Kharkiv region and southern Odesa have resulted in casualties, underscoring the continued severity of the conflict.