Russia launches major strike on Kyiv
Russia launched a significant aerial assault on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, deploying drones and missiles that resulted in widespread destruction, fires, and injuries to at least eight people, as reported by Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The attack involved approximately 250 drones and 14 ballistic missiles, marking one of the most extensive strikes on Kyiv since the conflict began. Fragments from intercepted drones struck residential buildings, igniting fires in both apartment complexes and non-residential structures across various districts, including Solomianskyi, Dniprovskyi, and Obolon.
Two residents required hospitalization due to injuries sustained during the attack, which also caused debris to fall on a shopping center and other locations. An air alert was issued and remained in effect for over seven hours following the initial strikes, indicating the ongoing threat to the city.
This escalation in hostilities followed a major prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, where 390 individuals from each side were released. Despite this diplomatic gesture, tensions have intensified, with Ukraine reportedly conducting around 800 drone attacks on Russian targets, including in Moscow. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had vowed to respond to these Ukrainian strikes, further escalating the conflict.
The recent surge in military actions underscores the volatility of the situation, with both nations engaging in retaliatory measures. As the conflict continues to evolve, diplomatic efforts toward a ceasefire have yielded limited progress. The international community remains vigilant, closely monitoring developments as the situation in Ukraine remains precarious and fraught with uncertainty.
