At least 17 people were killed and more than 40 injured after Russia launched overnight missile and drone strikes on Kyiv and nearby areas. Ukraine said it failed to intercept any of the ballistic missiles and renewed calls for additional Patriot air defence systems.
Russian missile and drone strikes killed at least 17 people and injured more than 40 others in Kyiv and the surrounding region overnight, Ukrainian authorities said on Wednesday, as the country renewed urgent calls for additional US-made Patriot interceptor missiles after failing to shoot down any of the incoming ballistic missiles.
Russia has sharply intensified its attacks on the Ukrainian capital in recent months, frequently launching waves of ballistic missiles that are difficult to intercept and have repeatedly shaken the city with powerful explosions.
“Ballistic interceptors are what could have saved the lives of those killed today,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said while confirming the death toll.
Later on Wednesday, Zelenskyy said he had discussed Ukraine’s air defence needs with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, stressing the need to speed up decisions on military assistance.
“It is important to cut through all red tape and make the necessary political decisions,” Zelenskyy wrote on Facebook.
“Literally every day, people’s lives here in Ukraine depend on the resolve of our partners in Europe and the United States.”
At sunrise, thick smoke was seen hanging over Kyiv after multiple fires broke out across the city and surrounding areas following the attacks, AFP journalists reported.
Local authorities said more than 40 people were wounded in Kyiv and nearby districts.
Russia’s Defence Ministry said its forces had targeted transportation, logistics and distribution centres allegedly involved in storing weapons and supporting Ukraine’s drone programme.
Meanwhile, authorities in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region ordered hundreds of families with children to evacuate the city of Kramatorsk, citing the worsening security situation and the continued threat of Russian attacks.
The renewed strikes come as Ukraine warns that deliveries of air defence missiles from partner countries have fallen sharply compared with last year, leaving cities increasingly exposed to Russia’s escalating missile campaign.
With inputs from agencies
What do you think about this?
Drop your opinion in the comment section.
Share this with someone who needs to see this.