At least 13 people were killed and 40 injured in Russian strikes on Kyiv, with officials citing a shortage of air defence systems as a key concern.
Apartment blocks and warehouses were targeted in a 'massive attack' on Thursday, according to Ukrainian officials. The strikes damaged a children's hospital and school, with emergency workers sifting through rubble and residents standing outside destroyed homes. The attack occurred overnight, with multiple locations across Kyiv affected. Among the damaged sites were residential buildings, commercial warehouses, and critical infrastructure. Emergency services reported ongoing efforts to rescue individuals from the debris and provide aid to those displaced by the strikes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attributed the casualties to a shortage of air defence missiles, which Kyiv relies on Western allies to supply. Mayor Vitali Klitschko emphasized the need for additional ammunition and anti-missile systems, while a resident described the fear and uncertainty faced by those affected. Valeria Bondaruk, a resident who had previously moved to Kyiv for safety, now finds herself displaced again. She described hiding in a hallway overnight without access to a bomb shelter. Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Goncharenko stated that Ukraine is 'absolutely unprotected' from ballistic missile attacks and 'can't do anything' without interceptors. Zelensky reiterated that as long as Ukraine lacks sufficient anti-ballistic systems, Russia will not consider peace seriously.
Why it matters
The targeting of warehouses suggests a focus on disrupting supply chains.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Watch whether air defence systems are deployed to protect remaining civilian areas.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.