Russian Ballistic Missile Barrage Hits Kyiv, Killing One and Injuring Dozens

KYIV: Russia launched one of its largest ballistic missile attacks on Ukraine’s capital overnight, killing at least one person and injuring 16 others in Kyiv as missiles and drones struck multiple districts, Ukrainian officials said. The assault caused widespread destruction, damaging residential buildings, commercial facilities and critical infrastructure across the city.

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Russia fired 41 ballistic missiles and 125 attack drones during the overnight assault. Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting 18 missiles and 108 drones, but several projectiles penetrated air defenses and hit their targets, triggering fires and extensive structural damage.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said fires broke out in a residential apartment block, a student dormitory, a supermarket and warehouse facilities, while emergency services continued search-and-rescue operations in the affected areas. Residents described hearing multiple powerful explosions as air raid sirens sounded across the capital for several hours.

The strikes also hit other parts of Ukraine. Authorities reported that additional Russian attacks in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region killed two people and injured 14 others, underscoring the continuing intensity of Moscow’s aerial campaign.

President Zelenskiy renewed calls for greater international military support, particularly additional Patriot air defense systems, warning that Ukraine continues to face a critical shortage of interceptors capable of countering ballistic missile attacks. He said Kyiv had reached a political agreement with the United States to begin domestic production of Patriot missiles, with manufacturing expected to commence later this year.

Despite the extensive damage, emergency responders and municipal workers began clearing debris and restoring essential services shortly after the attack, while Ukrainian authorities vowed to strengthen the country’s air defense capabilities amid continued Russian missile and drone assaults.