- Largest Aerial Attack: Russia launched a staggering 550 drones and missiles.
- Kyiv Targeted: The capital bore the brunt, with widespread damage.
- Casualties and Damage: At least 23 injured, with significant destruction of residential areas.
- International Reaction: Trump expresses disappointment, while Zelenskyy condemns the attacks.
Kyiv Reels from Massive Russian Air Attack
Overnight turned into a nightmare for Kyiv as Russia unleashed the largest aerial assault since the start of the war in Ukraine. Waves of drones and missiles rained down, leaving at least 23 people injured and causing widespread damage across the capital.
The attack, which lasted for seven grueling hours, marks a significant escalation in the conflict. Air raid sirens wailed as blasts lit up the night sky, turning the city into a scene of chaos and destruction.
What Happened? Key Details of the Attack
- 550 Drones and Missiles: Russia deployed a massive arsenal.
- Shahed Drones: The majority of the weapons were Shahed drones, known for their destructive capabilities.
- Multiple Districts Hit: Damage reported across at least five of Kyiv’s ten districts.
- Residential Buildings Targeted: A five-story building was partially destroyed, and a 14-story building caught fire.
Eyewitness Accounts: ‘It Was Suicidal to Stay Home’
Alya Shahlai, a Kyiv wedding photographer, recounted the horror: “We were all in the (basement) shelter because it was so loud, staying home would have been suicidal. We went down 10 minutes before and then there was a loud explosion and the lights went out in the shelter, people were panicking.”
Zelenskyy’s Response: A Deliberate Signal from Moscow
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, calling it a clear signal that Moscow has no intention of ending the war. He highlighted the timing of the strikes, coinciding with a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump ‘Not Happy’ with Putin
President Trump expressed his disappointment with Putin after their call. “I’m not happy about that. I’m not happy about that,” Trump said of Russia’s war in Ukraine. “I don’t think he’s looking to stop” the war.
The Bigger Picture: Why Now?
This intensified aerial assault comes amid a renewed Russian effort to break through the 1,000-kilometer front line, where Ukrainian troops are facing immense pressure. It also coincides with pauses in military aid from the U.S., adding further strain on Ukraine’s defenses.
Damage Beyond Kyiv: Other Regions Affected
Besides Kyiv, the Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Kharkiv, Chernihiv, and Kyiv regions also sustained damage. Emergency services are working tirelessly to address the aftermath.
Ukraine’s Defense Efforts: Intercepting the Attack
Despite the scale of the assault, Ukrainian air defenses managed to shoot down 270 targets, including two cruise missiles. However, Russia still successfully hit eight locations with nine missiles and 63 drones.
What’s Next? The Future of the Conflict
As Russia continues its relentless attacks, the situation in Ukraine remains critical. The international community is watching closely, and the coming days will be crucial in determining the future of this devastating conflict.
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