Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Ukraine witnessed one of the most intense Russian airstrikes of the war early Sunday. The attack, which lasted for more than 12 hours, killed at least four people, left 67 others injured, and caused significant damage to homes, factories, and even a cardiology clinic. Kyiv and several other regions across the country were hit as residents endured explosions throughout the night.
Scale of the Attack
According to Ukraine’s military, Russia launched 595 drones and 48 missiles during the operation. Of these, Ukrainian air defences successfully intercepted 568 drones and 43 missiles. Despite this, a number still broke through, leading to destruction in several locations. The capital city of Kyiv was the primary target, with residents hearing continuous booms and sirens through the night until the all-clear was sounded at 9:13 a.m. local time.
Kyiv Residents Under Fire
In the suburbs of Kyiv, newly constructed homes were destroyed, parked cars were flattened by falling debris, and smoke filled the skyline. Families rushed into metro stations to seek shelter, with many following real-time updates on their phones. For more than half a day, the capital felt the weight of one of the most sustained bombardments since the war began.
Poland Responds to the Threat
The impact of the strikes was felt beyond Ukraine’s borders. Poland, Ukraine’s neighbor to the west, temporarily closed airspace near two southeastern cities during the assault. The Polish military scrambled fighter jets to respond to the possibility of spillover from the attack. Once the threat subsided, the airspace was reopened, and normal operations resumed.
Zelenskyy Calls for Action
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted strongly to the assault, condemning Russia’s actions and urging the international community to respond more forcefully. In a message posted on Telegram, he stated, “The time for decisive action is long overdue, and we count on a strong response from the United States, Europe, the G7, and the G20.” His comments highlighted Ukraine’s demand for tougher sanctions against Russia’s energy sector, which continues to finance the war.
Russia Confirms Massive Strike
The Russian defence ministry confirmed the large-scale operation, describing it as a “massive” strike aimed at Ukrainian military infrastructure, including airfields. Moscow has repeatedly denied targeting civilians. However, since the invasion began in 2022, thousands of Ukrainian civilians have died in similar strikes, raising doubts about Russia’s claims.
Damage Across the Country
The assault was not limited to Kyiv. Other Ukrainian cities, including Zaporizhzhia, came under fire as well. At least 16 people were reported injured in Zaporizhzhia, and nationwide, one of the fatalities was a 12-year-old girl. While officials have yet to confirm her death officially, the tragedy underscores the heavy toll on innocent lives.
Air Defence Systems Under Strain
Ukraine’s air defence systems have played a critical role in limiting the destruction. However, they remain under immense pressure with repeated large-scale attacks. Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine has recently deployed an additional Patriot missile defence system provided by Israel. Two more systems are expected later this autumn. Still, he stressed that demand for such systems is high globally, making it difficult for Ukraine to acquire them quickly.
Emergency Response and Rescue Efforts
Rescue teams and emergency services worked tirelessly throughout the night and into the morning to pull survivors from damaged buildings and provide medical care to the injured. In Kyiv’s cardiology clinic, shattered windows and damaged wards forced doctors to relocate patients to safer parts of the facility. In residential areas, families sifted through the wreckage of their homes to recover belongings.
Ukraine on High Alert
Following the strikes, Ukraine remains on high alert. Officials are assessing the full extent of the damage and preparing for possible follow-up assaults. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and to take shelter whenever air raid sirens sound. Despite the destruction and fear, many Ukrainians expressed resilience, vowing that the latest assault would not break their spirit.
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