Russian Aerial Assault on Kyiv Leaves Destruction and Death
In a devastating display of military might, Russia conducted its largest aerial attack on Ukraine since the war began, unleashing more than 800 drones and missiles that wreaked havoc in the heart of Kyiv. The assault, which damaged the Cabinet of Ministers building, resulted in at least two fatalities, including a mother and her 3-month-old child.
The Ukrainian Air Force revealed that Russia launched a total of 810 drones and decoys, accompanied by 13 missiles of various types. This marked the most significant Russian drone strike since the initial invasion in February 2022.
Despite efforts by air defenses to intercept the incoming threats, 747 drones and four missiles were successfully shot down. However, nine missiles and 54 drones managed to hit targets at 33 different locations across Ukraine, with debris scattered across eight sites.
Witnesses in Kyiv reported seeing smoke billowing from the damaged Cabinet of Ministers building. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed that the roof and upper floors had sustained damage, representing the first direct hit on the government headquarters.
Mayor Vitalii Klitschko disclosed that 20 individuals were injured in the assault, which targeted multiple locations in the capital, including residential buildings. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes as a “deliberate crime” and called for stronger sanctions on Russia, along with additional air defense systems to protect civilians.
Russian military officials claimed that the attack was aimed at drone assembly sites, military airfields, radar stations, and troop positions. This assault marked the second mass drone and missile strike on Kyiv in a fortnight, signaling a dangerous escalation as hopes for peace talks dwindle.
While European leaders have urged President Vladimir Putin to engage in negotiations, Zelenskyy has expressed willingness to meet with Putin and has urged US President Donald Trump to impose harsher sanctions on Moscow to curb further aggression. — Agencies
