Ukraine Capital Targeted in Missile Attack
Russia fired more than 30 missiles at Kyiv early on Thursday, marking the largest attempted attack on Ukraine’s capital in weeks. This escalation came after Russian President Vladimir Putin promised retribution for increasing strikes on his country’s border regions.
President’s Call for Air Defense Systems
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the West to provide air defense systems following the missile attacks, which resulted in 17 injuries in Kyiv and the surrounding area. Ukraine’s air force reported successfully intercepting 31 Russian missiles aimed at the capital.
“Such terror continues every day and night,” Zelenskyy expressed in a Telegram post on Thursday, emphasizing the urgent need for global unity to combat the ongoing attacks.
Protective Measures Urged
Zelenskyy stressed the necessity for air defense systems across various Ukrainian regions, stating, “This protection is required in Ukraine now — from Kyiv to Kharkiv, Sumy to Kherson, and Odesa to the Donetsk region.” He called on international partners to show strong political will to support these efforts.
Currently, a crucial $60-billion United States military aid package for Ukraine is facing delays in the US Congress due to domestic political disputes.
Response to the Attack
Local authorities reported that falling debris from the missiles caused injuries to 13 individuals in Kyiv and four in the surrounding region. The Ukrainian air force confirmed that Russia launched two Iskander ballistic missiles and 29 cruise missiles, all of which were successfully intercepted.
Zelenskyy shared a video showcasing the aftermath of the attack, with damaged buildings and debris scattered across the streets. This incident marked the first missile strike on Kyiv since early February.
Putin’s Vow for Retaliation
Following a recent surge in Ukrainian strikes on Russian border regions and oil refineries, Putin vowed to retaliate against the attacks. Russian governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported five injuries in the Belgorod region bordering Ukraine, with multiple residential buildings sustaining damage from the aerial bombardment.
Putin emphasized the need to restore “security” to the border areas and outlined Russia’s plan to achieve victory against Kyiv. Moscow’s Federal Security Service also announced the arrest of a Russian citizen in Belgorod for allegedly planning “terrorist acts against the Russian military.”