Ukraine's capital Kyiv has suffered one of its largest aerial assaults since the onset of conflict, resulting in multiple casualties and significant destruction, as international calls for a ceasefire grow louder.
Kyiv Faces Unprecedented Assault as Russian Forces Launch Aerial Barrage
Kyiv Faces Unprecedented Assault as Russian Forces Launch Aerial Barrage
Heavy missile and drone strikes injure civilians and damage property in a major aerial attack on the Ukrainian capital.
In a stark display of aggression, Russia has unleashed a massive aerial assault on Kyiv, deploying 250 drones and 14 ballistic missiles, resulting in at least 14 injuries among civilians, as reported by local authorities. This unprecedented attack marks one of the largest coordinated strikes on the city since the outset of the Russia-Ukraine war. The Ukrainian air force successfully intercepted six missiles and a staggering 245 drones, highlighting the ongoing intensity of the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Moscow's relentless offensive, stating, “With each such attack, the world becomes more certain that the cause of prolonging the war lies in Moscow.” The deadly barrage came shortly after a prisoner exchange took place between the two nations, agreed upon during negotiations held in Turkey.
Describing the night as “difficult,” Zelensky condemned the extensive fires and explosions that rocked parts of the capital, resulting in damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles due to both direct strikes and falling debris. Local resident Olha Chyrukha, 64, conveyed her distress over the ongoing violence, which has caused fear among families, especially noting her three-year-old granddaughter's terror during the attack. “I wish they'd agree to a ceasefire. To bomb people like this - poor children,” she lamented.
In light of the escalating tensions, Zelensky emphasized that only additional sanctions targeting specific sectors of the Russian economy could compel Moscow to consider a ceasefire. Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defence has claimed that Ukraine has also been launching numerous exploding drones against its territory, with reports of 485 drones reportedly intercepted in recent days.
As military actions intensify, the prospects for peace in Ukraine remain dim, leaving many to ponder the implications of continued hostility in the region. The recent week has left Russia emboldened, with both sides navigating through a complex landscape of warfare and diplomacy that shows little sign of resolution.
