Kyiv: Russia launched a massive drone and missile attack on Ukraine, causing significant destruction and casualties. Ukraine reported that the heavy barrage targeted Kyiv, the capital, and other cities across the country in the early hours of Tuesday, resulting in at least 11 deaths and over 100 injuries. This escalation follows warnings of a major offensive from Moscow in recent days.
According to Thai News Agency, the attack occurred after the Russian presidential administration warned of systematic assaults on various targets in Kyiv. This warning came in retaliation for a drone strike on a dormitory in Russia's Tatarstan region, which killed 21 people, an incident Ukraine has denied involvement in. Throughout the more than four-year conflict, both nations have targeted each other's infrastructure, though they deny targeting civilians.
Photographs depict thick smoke and flames above several tall buildings in Kyiv. Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko reported that the attacks resulted in four deaths and 65 injuries in the capital, including children. He noted that a 24-story residential building collapsed, likely trapping people under the rubble, while other buildings caught fire from missile debris.
The assault prompted thousands to seek refuge in Kyiv's subway system, some bringing essential belongings and pets. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched 73 missiles and up to 656 drone strikes mainly at Kyiv, with air defense systems intercepting 40 missiles and destroying 602 drones. Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed success in a large-scale offensive against Ukrainian defense facilities using high-precision, long-range guided missiles.