Kyiv was jolted awake in the early hours of Wednesday morning as Russian forces launched a deadly missile barrage on Ukraine’s capital, killing at least one civilian and injuring four others, including a nine-year-old child. The large-scale attack—one of the most intense in weeks—triggered massive explosions that shook the city, shattered windows, and sparked fires across multiple locations.
The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed that Russia fired seven ballistic missiles toward Kyiv, six of which were intercepted by air defense systems. However, the remaining missile managed to strike a non-residential building, causing significant damage. The assault also extended beyond Kyiv, hitting infrastructure in the northern region of Chernihiv, where at least two additional people were injured.
A City Under Fire
Residents across Kyiv described the harrowing moments as the explosions ripped through the city around 2:30 a.m. local time. “We don’t have windows, everything is broken here. It’s horrible,” said Anzhela Karnatova, whose office was heavily damaged in the strike.
Another local, Nina Kyslenko, rushed to her workplace, a dry-cleaning shop, after receiving a call from police. “There were explosions all morning… Everything is ruined,” she said, surveying the shattered glass and debris strewn across the floor.
Emergency responders worked through the freezing night, battling fires and searching for survivors amid the rubble. Temperatures in Kyiv hovered around minus 10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit), adding to the hardship for those affected. Photos released by Ukraine’s emergency services showed firefighters struggling to contain flames engulfing the wreckage of a heavily damaged building.
Zelensky Condemns Attack, Calls for Stronger Support
In the wake of the missile strike, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took to Telegram, urging Ukraine’s Western allies to remain steadfast in their support.
“This Russian terror against Ukraine will not stop on its own,” Zelensky wrote. “Putin is not preparing for peace—he continues to kill Ukrainians and destroy cities.”
The attack serves as yet another reminder of the ongoing devastation nearly three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. While Kyiv has relied heavily on Western-supplied air defense systems to intercept Russian missiles, the scale and frequency of such attacks continue to strain Ukraine’s resources.
Russia’s Escalation Comes Amid Diplomatic Efforts
The missile assault comes at a time when former U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed his team is engaging with both Kyiv and Moscow in an attempt to negotiate a swift resolution to the war. However, with continued Russian aggression, any prospects for peace remain uncertain.
Meanwhile, Moscow has remained silent regarding the latest strike, continuing its pattern of denying or downplaying attacks on Ukrainian civilian areas.
The Ukrainian military reported that, in addition to the ballistic missile attack, Russia deployed 123 drones overnight. Air defense forces managed to shoot down 71 of them, while electronic warfare systems likely neutralized another 40.
Despite Ukraine’s efforts to shield its population, the destruction and loss of life from Wednesday’s attack highlight the ongoing dangers faced by civilians. As Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities brace for further assaults, the calls for more advanced air defense systems and increased international support grow louder.
With no sign of de-escalation, the conflict continues to rage, leaving Ukraine’s future—and the possibility of a diplomatic resolution—hanging in the balance.
Source: Reuters
