Additional Coverage:
Kyiv, Ukraine – A deadly missile strike ripped through Ukraine’s capital city of Kyiv early Sunday, claiming at least one life and injuring three others, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The attack marks a continuation of Russia’s relentless barrage of long-range attacks targeting Ukrainian cities.
Ukraine’s air defenses were tested overnight, facing a wave of 23 missiles and 109 strike drones. While they successfully neutralized 13 missiles and 40 drones, another 53 drones penetrated defenses but ultimately fell without causing damage. The air force confirmed damage reports in several regions, including Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi, Cherkasy, and Mykolaiv.
In Kyiv, non-residential buildings were set ablaze, and an office building suffered partial destruction. Andriy Yermak, head of President Zelenskyy’s office, condemned the attacks on Telegram, stating that Russia’s escalation shows a clear disregard for peace and a blatant intent to harm Ukrainian citizens, including children. Yermak called upon international partners to adopt a stronger stance against Russia.
President Zelenskyy echoed this sentiment, highlighting the insufficiency of current pressure on Russia and labeling the attacks a direct affront to international diplomatic efforts. He urged increased global action to ensure security and expedite peace.
Russia, however, claimed its forces downed 11 Ukrainian drones over three Russian regions overnight. These attacks come amid ongoing U.S.-brokered ceasefire negotiations.
Despite a previous agreement to halt strikes on energy infrastructure and Black Sea targets, both sides have traded accusations of violations. Ukraine has further accused Russia of deliberately targeting civilians in recent strikes, including a devastating attack on Kryvyi Rih, President Zelenskyy’s hometown, which tragically claimed the lives of 19 people, including nine children.
Zelenskyy emphasized the need to hold Russia accountable for its actions and increase pressure through sanctions and other measures to bring an end to the conflict.