A Russian ballistic missile strike on Kyiv early Saturday claimed the lives of four people, leaving at least three others injured, according to city officials. The Shevchenkivsky district, a central area of the Ukrainian capital, bore the brunt of the attack, which Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andriy Sybiga, condemned as a “heinous” act.
“Yet another proof that Putin wants war, not peace,” Sybiga said, urging the international community to impose maximum economic and military pressure to force a resolution through strength.
Kyiv’s military administration chief, Tymur Tkachenko, confirmed the casualties in a Telegram post, adding that the attack damaged an industrial building, a subway to the metro, and residential properties, temporarily disrupting water supplies. Witnesses reported flooding and significant destruction, including the charred remains of a McDonald’s outlet near the blast site.
Despite Kyiv’s robust air defense systems, two Iskander ballistic missiles and 24 Russian drones overwhelmed the city overnight, with the downed missiles causing collateral damage in the Shevchenkivsky district.
Simultaneously, Russian forces launched an overnight assault on Zaporizhzhia, wounding 10 people. The city’s regional governor, Ivan Fedorov, described the attack as a “cynical” targeting of civilians while they were sleeping.
This escalation comes amidst heightened Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy and military facilities, including recent attacks on oil depots and military airfields.
As tensions continue to mount, the devastating impact on civilians underscores the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
