Ukraine’s capital endured one of its latest large-scale aerial assaults overnight after Russian forces launched a wave of ballistic missiles and attack drones targeting Kyiv and several other regions, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Emergency services continued rescue and recovery operations throughout Kyiv and the surrounding region after the strikes ignited multiple fires and caused widespread damage across residential neighborhoods.
Residential Areas and Public Buildings Damaged
Zelenskyy said seven districts of Kyiv were affected during the attack, with residential buildings suffering significant destruction.
According to Ukrainian authorities, 18 apartment buildings, a school, infrastructure facilities, and the Lithuanian Embassy sustained damage. Officials confirmed that at least nine people were killed, while dozens more were injured.
Medical teams remained on the ground treating victims as emergency responders worked to extinguish fires and assess the full extent of the destruction.
Barrage Included Ballistic Missiles and Attack Drones
The Ukrainian president reported that Russia launched 35 missiles during the overnight assault, including 27 ballistic missiles, alongside 185 attack drones of various types.
While Kyiv was identified as the primary target, strikes were also reported in the Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Poltava regions, highlighting the broad geographic scope of the attack.
Zelenskyy Cites Air Defense Shortages
Addressing Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, Zelenskyy said only one ballistic missile was intercepted during the attack, attributing the limited interception rate to a shortage of interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems.
He argued that the lack of available anti-ballistic interceptors leaves Ukraine more vulnerable to missile strikes and increases the risk of civilian casualties during large-scale attacks.
Renewed Appeal for International Military Support
The Ukrainian leader used the aftermath of the attack to renew calls for additional military assistance from international partners, emphasizing the urgent need for more Patriot interceptor missiles.
He said such systems are required immediately rather than being kept in reserve, arguing that each additional package of interceptors directly contributes to protecting civilian lives and strengthening Ukraine’s ability to defend against future missile attacks.
Ukraine Says Enhanced Defenses Are Critical
Concluding his statement, Zelenskyy thanked countries and partners assisting Ukraine’s defense efforts, stressing that stronger air defense capabilities remain essential as Russia continues conducting missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities.
He maintained that expanding Ukraine’s defensive capacity is necessary both to reduce civilian casualties and to help contain the ongoing conflict.
