Post by : Shweta
Russia Launches Deadly Missile and Drone Barrage
Russia launched a large overnight barrage of missiles and drones against Kyiv and surrounding parts of Ukraine, killing at least 16 people, according to Ukrainian officials cited by the Associated Press.
The attack continued for several hours, with explosions reported across the Ukrainian capital. Officials said 15 people were killed in Kyiv and another person died in the wider Kyiv region.
About 40 People Wounded in Attack
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said approximately 40 people were wounded during the overnight strikes. Emergency crews were sent to multiple locations to search damaged buildings and assist residents.
Ukraine's air force said the attack included cruise missiles and jet-powered drones, placing additional pressure on the country's air-defence systems.
Homes and Civilian Buildings Damaged
The strikes reportedly hit 12 locations across Kyiv's Darnytskyi, Sviatoshynskyi and Solomianskyi districts.
According to Zelenskyy, around 30 apartment buildings were damaged along with a school, a children's hospital and a kindergarten. Fires also broke out in residential buildings, while some people became trapped in damaged structures.
Thousands Shelter Underground
More than 38,000 people, including over 2,000 children, reportedly sheltered in Kyiv's subway stations during the attack.
Air-raid warnings continued until after dawn as residents remained underground while emergency services dealt with fires, rubble and damaged infrastructure.
Ukraine Appeals for More Air Defence
Zelenskyy again called on international partners to provide additional air-defence systems, particularly Patriot interceptors. Ukraine has repeatedly warned about shortages of systems capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.
The Ukrainian president said Russia had prepared the attack over a long period and used different types of missiles and drones in an effort to cause extensive damage to civilian infrastructure.
Russia Says It Targeted Military Industry
Russia's Defense Ministry said its forces targeted a Kyiv industrial facility involved in producing components for cruise missiles. Moscow also claimed that drone production and storage facilities, an ammunition depot and a logistics centre were struck.
Those claims could not be independently verified from the information available in the report. Ukrainian officials also reported Russian missile and drone production capabilities, while noting that information about Russia's weapons stockpiles could not be independently confirmed.
Ukraine Reports Strikes Inside Russia
At the same time, Ukraine said its forces struck Russian oil facilities in Tatarstan and the Krasnodar region. Fires were reported at an oil refinery and an oil terminal.
Russia's Defense Ministry claimed that its air defences intercepted hundreds of Ukrainian drones overnight across several Russian regions and surrounding areas. The competing claims reflect the continued expansion of long-range drone warfare between the two countries.
European Neighbours Raise Airspace Alerts
The latest Russian attack also prompted heightened security measures in neighbouring European countries. Poland activated military aviation and air-defence systems, while NATO aircraft were deployed to monitor its airspace.
Romania reported a drone incident near the Ukrainian border and deployed fighter aircraft to monitor air targets. Moldova also reported that its airspace had been breached by at least one drone.
Kyiv Attack Highlights Continuing War
The latest barrage demonstrates the continuing intensity of the Russia-Ukraine war, with both sides using missiles and long-range drones against targets far from the main front line.
The deaths, injuries and damage in Kyiv have renewed concerns about civilian safety and Ukraine's need for stronger air-defence capabilities as Russian aerial attacks continue.
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