Russia launched its largest missile and drone barrage on Kyiv since the start of the war in Ukraine, targeting multiple districts of the capital overnight into Friday, injuring 23 people and inflicting damage across the city. The attack, which lasted for seven hours, caused severe damage to buildings and infrastructure, with blasts lighting up the night sky and air raid sirens wailing.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attack as “cynical” and stated that it was a deliberate act of terror. The attack came after a phone call between Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump, during which they discussed ways to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses and explore joint production of military equipment.
Russia launched 550 drones and missiles across Ukraine, with the majority being Shahed drones, according to the country’s air force. The attack caused significant damage in at least five districts of Kyiv and resulted in five ambulances being damaged while responding to calls.
The US has paused some shipments of military aid to Ukraine, including crucial air defense missiles. Ukrainian officials are considering how they can help pick up the slack, with plans to build up Ukraine’s domestic arms industry. However, scaling up will take time.
Zelenskyy spoke with Trump about strengthening Ukrainian air defenses and exploring joint production of military equipment, including drone technology. The two leaders also discussed broader efforts to end the war with Russia.
The attack comes as part of a concerted Russian effort to break through parts of the front line, where Ukrainian troops are under severe pressure. Ukraine has been launching its own aerial attacks in response, but the constant buzzing of drones and sound of explosions have made for an “absolutely horrible and sleepless night” in Kyiv.
Russia’s army crossed the border on February 24, 2022, in an all-out invasion that Putin sought to justify by falsely saying it was needed to protect Russian-speaking civilians in eastern Ukraine and prevent the country from joining NATO. Zelenskyy has repeatedly called out Russian disinformation efforts.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-attack-missile-drone-58bc08ddcf1038fb409999c56b11e9fa