In brief
Ukraine says nine people died and 23 were injured when Russian ballistic missiles hit Kyiv, as Moscow escalates air attacks on the capital. Fires ignited and power outages followed, while a residential building in the Shevchenkivskyi district was partially destroyed. The attack came just two days after a Russian cruise missile allegedly landed in Poland, highlighting the wider region of conflict. President Zelensky has urged the U.S. for Patriot interceptor licences, noting that Ukraine's supply of these missiles is dwindling. The strikes occurred amid Ukraine’s own retaliatory pushes and justify the urgent need for air‑defence upgrades.
Fatalities and Injuries
Ukraine’s State Emergency Service reported nine people killed and at least 23 injured in Russian ballistic missile strikes on the capital city early Saturday. Fires erupted across Kyiv and power outages were reported in several districts.
Impact on Residential Areas
A residential block in the Shevchenkivskyi district was partially destroyed, trapping residents inside, while a five‑storey building in the Solomyanskyi district suffered similar damage, resulting in two deaths and eight injuries in that area. In the Darnytskyi district, seven people were killed and 14 wounded.
Broader Context of Russian Air Attacks
The attack comes two days after a suspected Russian cruise missile landed in Poland during an extensive offensive that killed at least eight people. Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, said the city had faced multiple ballistic missile explosions.
Zelensky’s Appeal for Patriot Systems
President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the United States to grant Ukraine a licence for producing Patriot interceptor missiles, citing a dwindling supply of existing interceptors needed to counter ballistic threats.
U.S. Response and Ongoing Talks
During a cabinet meeting at Camp David, President Trump said the U.S. had not yet agreed to Ukraine building Patriot missiles but that discussions were ongoing. He cautioned about the risks of transferring advanced weaponry.
Ukraine’s Retaliation and Logistics Targeting
Amid escalating air attacks, Ukraine has intensified retaliatory strikes, targeting logistics hubs used by Russian forces, including several warehouses belonging to Russia’s largest online retailer Wildberries.
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