A barrage of Russian missiles rained down on Kyiv overnight, marking the largest attack on the Ukrainian capital in weeks. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 31 missiles, but falling debris injured at least 17 civilians, including a child. This renewed assault comes after Moscow vowed retaliation for recent Ukrainian strikes on its border regions.
The attack began with air raid sirens wailing at 3:00 AM local time, followed by explosions two hours later. Debris rained down across several districts, causing fires on buildings and cars. Thankfully, Kyiv’s military administration claims all missiles were successfully downed before reaching their targets.
The exact purpose of this attack remains unclear. In the Lukyanivka district, a large crater and shattered windows in nearby buildings marked the impact of a blast. Businesses were left in ruins, and residents scrambled to recover belongings from damaged apartments.
Many Kyiv residents spent the night huddled in basements and metro stations, a chilling reminder of the ongoing war’s brutality.
Sofia, visiting Kyiv for her mother’s birthday, broke down in tears at the scene, lamenting the destruction and the perceived fading interest of the world in Ukraine’s plight.
Another resident, Tetiana, described the harrowing experience of searching for her cats amidst the chaos of burning cars and explosions. This attack follows the death of five people in Kharkiv on Wednesday and the forced evacuation of hundreds from the Sumy region due to intensified shelling.
President Zelensky has repeatedly appealed for increased military aid, particularly air defense systems, from Western allies. In a video address to EU leaders, he emphasized the “humiliating for Europe” lack of artillery shells available to Ukrainian forces. He criticized the continued access of Russian agricultural products to European markets while Ukraine struggles to export its own grain.
“Such terror continues every day and night,” Zelensky wrote on Telegram following the attack. “World unity is able to stop it when it helps us with air defence systems.” He urged NATO partners to demonstrate the necessary “political will” to act.
This desperate plea echoes a similar appeal from Zelensky at an international conference last month. He warned that weapon shortages allow Russia to adapt to the current war intensity.
Meanwhile, across the border, Russian towns have also faced attacks. Belgorod recently suffered casualties and damage, prompting the evacuation of thousands of children.
President Putin remains resolute in his pursuit of the war, vowing that Ukrainian strikes “will not go unpunished.”
As Ukrainians brace for more attacks and destruction, EU leaders are discussing a significant increase in military and financial aid for Ukraine. This includes a proposal to transfer frozen Russian assets to support the war effort. Chancellor Scholz of Germany has expressed support for this plan.
The EU summit presents a crucial opportunity to ramp up assistance and demonstrate a united front against the ongoing Russian aggression. With the war entering a critical phase, Ukraine’s fight for survival hinges on the international community’s commitment to providing the necessary resources.
