Additional Coverage:
Kyiv Reels from Deadly Russian Missile and Drone Attack
Kyiv was rocked early Friday by a wave of Russian drone and missile strikes, leaving at least four dead and 20 wounded, according to city authorities. While nightly attacks have become a grim routine, this assault follows recent Ukrainian raids deep within Russian territory, raising concerns that this could be the start of a larger retaliatory offensive promised by President Vladimir Putin.
Explosions and fires were reported across the city, with damage confirmed in residential areas, including a high-rise building in the Solomyansky district. Mayor Vitali Klitschko urged residents to remain in shelters as the attacks continued and emergency services raced to respond.
Images emerging from the city showed citizens, including families with young children, huddled in underground car parks seeking safety. The northwestern city of Lutsk also reported strikes and injuries.
This latest barrage comes days after Ukraine launched a series of bold drone attacks on Russian airfields, damaging several aircraft, including nuclear-capable bombers. A separate attack targeted the Kerch Bridge, the vital link between Russia and annexed Crimea. These actions have fueled calls for a forceful Russian response from pro-Kremlin voices.
Adding to the tension, a recent phone call between President Putin and former US President Donald Trump revealed Putin’s intention to retaliate for the Ukrainian strikes. Trump’s reported lack of urging for restraint has drawn criticism and concern in Ukraine. Meanwhile, a separate Ukrainian drone attack targeted an industrial site in the Russian city of Engels, further escalating the conflict.
The situation remains fluid, and the possibility of further Russian retaliation looms large. Analysts are closely monitoring Russia’s potential deployment of advanced weaponry, including ballistic missiles, in response to Ukraine’s recent actions. Ukraine continues to rely heavily on US-supplied technology for its defense, but recent reports suggest that some of this aid may be diverted elsewhere, raising concerns about the country’s ability to withstand sustained attacks.