Russian Assault on Kyiv Triggers Multiple Fires and Casualties

In a significant escalation of hostilities, a Russian drone and missile attack targeted the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, and surrounding areas during the night, resulting in injuries to several individuals. Reports regarding the number of injured vary, with the German Press Agency indicating at least eight people were hurt, while Reuters states that the Ukrainian military administration has confirmed at least 14 injuries, with some victims requiring hospitalization.

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, condemned the attack, emphasizing the severity of the situation across the nation. He remarked that the assault highlights Russia's ongoing refusal to agree to a ceasefire aimed at ending the conflict. Zelensky called for the implementation of additional sanctions on key sectors of the Russian economy as a means to pressure Moscow into accepting a truce.

Military official Timur Tkachenko reported on Telegram that debris from the falling drones caused damage in various districts, igniting fires in residential buildings. Emergency services were promptly deployed to manage the situation. Authorities characterized this incident as one of the largest coordinated drone and missile strikes against the capital to date.

The air raid alarms were continuously activated for over two hours following the onset of the attack, according to official sources. The Ukrainian Air Force disclosed that Russia deployed a total of 250 long-range drones alongside 14 ballistic missiles during this onslaught.

This nighttime assault appears to be a response to multiple days of Ukrainian drone operations targeting sites within Russia, including the capital, Moscow. On Friday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had stated that Russia would retaliate to these Ukrainian strikes.