Early on Sunday morning, a missile attack hit the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, injuring at least three people and sparking several fires.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the attack, revealing that explosions had rocked the city and air defence systems were actively engaged.
The Ukrainian air force also reported that the missiles had impacted the northern Chernihiv region.
In his update via Telegram, Klitschko urged residents to stay in shelters, stating that the missile strike was ongoing.
Details of the Attack and Casualties
While the explosions caused widespread panic in Kyiv, only three injuries were reported so far.
Fires broke out in non-residential buildings, and eight cars were also damaged.
The city remains on high alert as the aftermath of the attack continues to unfold.
This latest assault comes just two days after a Russian missile strike in President Volodymyr Zelensky’s hometown, Kryvyi Rig, that left 18 people dead.
Poland Responds to Escalating Strikes Across the Border
The situation is also escalating along Ukraine’s western border. In response to Russian missile strikes, Poland’s military, along with its allies, has scrambled its aviation forces.
Poland’s operational command issued a statement that acknowledged the ongoing threat of Russian long-range aviation targeting western Ukraine.
Air defence systems are also on high alert to protect the borders, ensuring the safety of regions close to the conflict zone.
Zelensky Criticizes US Embassy’s Response to Missile Strike
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been vocal in his criticism of the US embassy’s response to the deadly missile attack in Kryvyi Rig.
On Saturday, Zelensky accused the embassy of issuing a weak statement that failed to directly blame Russia for the tragic strike, which targeted a residential area near a children’s playground.
The missile killed nine children, ranging in age from three to seventeen.
Zelensky expressed his frustration over the US embassy’s reluctance to name Russia as the aggressor, calling the statement “unpleasantly surprising.”
Zelensky Calls for Stronger Reactions Against Russian Aggression
Zelensky’s emotional address highlighted the pain of losing young lives, urging the international community to acknowledge Russia’s role in the continued violence.
He expressed that remaining silent on Russia’s actions only emboldens the Kremlin, allowing them to dismiss diplomacy and perpetuate their war efforts.
His comments were aimed at US Ambassador Bridget Brink, who had condemned the strike but refrained from explicitly naming Russia as the perpetrator.
Kryvyi Rig Declares Days of Mourning
The city of Kryvyi Rig, where Zelensky was born, declared three days of mourning following the attack.
Oleksandr Vilkul, the head of the city’s military administration, described the missile strike as a “mass murder of civilians.”
Rescue teams have shared harrowing images of the aftermath, including the bodies of victims found near a playground swing.
Russia’s defense ministry, however, justified the missile strike as a precision attack targeting military commanders and Western instructors in the area—a claim that the Ukrainian General Staff has vehemently denied.
Trump Pushes for Ceasefire, Zelensky Sees No Peace in Sight
As the conflict intensifies, US President Donald Trump is reportedly advocating for a partial ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
However, his administration has yet to broker an agreement that both sides would find acceptable.
Zelensky has dismissed any notion that Russia is interested in a ceasefire, stating that the latest missile attack proves Moscow’s commitment to its full-scale invasion.
Despite this, Zelensky remains hopeful for a diplomatic resolution, having discussed a potential security contingent with British and French military leaders in Kyiv on Friday.
European Leaders Work on Coordinated Policy Amid US-Russia Talks
The meeting with British and French military chiefs marked a significant step towards a coordinated European response to the conflict.
Both countries are working on a plan to send a “reassurance” force to Ukraine once a peace agreement is reached.
This marks a new effort by European leaders to assert their influence, as Trump has sidelined them in favor of direct talks with the Kremlin.
Despite the challenges, European officials remain determined to find a solution that can end the ongoing war.
