Russian Missile and Drone Attacks Hit Ukraine, Leaving 4 Dead and Dozens Injured
A series of Russian missile and drone attacks rained down on parts of Ukraine, including the capital city of Kyiv, overnight. At least four people were killed and dozens others injured across various Ukrainian regions as a result of the strikes.
As reported by AFP on Tuesday, these Russian attacks represent the latest escalation in a war that has raged for the past four years with no apparent end in sight. Several AFP journalists reported hearing a succession of explosions in the Kyiv capital area, while local authorities reported that Russia utilised ballistic missiles during the strikes.
Moscow, which invaded Ukraine over four years ago, has bombarded its neighbouring country almost daily, with Kyiv regularly retaliating against these attacks. Meanwhile, discussions to end Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II remain deadlocked.
The attacks occurred just days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia was preparing a “new, large-scale attack” against his country. “Explosions in the city. Air defence forces are working! Stay in shelters!” stated Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko in a Telegram statement.
According to reports from journalists on the ground, local residents rushed to shelters carrying bags and blankets, as plumes of smoke rose from central Kyiv. The Russian strikes injured approximately 14 people in the capital and triggered fires in various areas, leading to power outages in several districts. “The enemy attacked with ballistic missiles,” said Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration.
The lethal Russian strikes also hit eastern Ukraine. Dnipro Governor Oleksandr Ganzha reported that at least four people were killed and 16 others injured—some in critical condition—due to Moscow’s barrage. Similarly, Kharkiv Mayor Igor Terekhov reported that 10 people, including a child, were injured by Russian attacks in the region.
These latest Moscow strikes follow Zelensky’s repeated pleas to Ukraine’s allies to permit and fund the supply of Patriot missile systems, which are capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles. He even wrote to US President Donald Trump and the US Congress last week, requesting Patriot systems to respond to the increased Russian aerial attacks. Ukraine has also increased its strikes against Moscow-controlled territories and Russian regions in retaliation for Russia’s daily bombings. US-mediated efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict have stalled since the outbreak of war in the Middle East, which has diverted Washington’s attention and resources.