Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, has borne the brunt of a devastating ballistic missile assault overnight, as Russia unleashes its full fury on Ukrainian soil. At least one person is dead and 14 injured in what President Volodymyr Zelensky describes as "one of the most significant" attacks since Moscow launched its invasion.
Ukrainian officials claim that their air defences intercepted 18 out of the 41 ballistic missiles fired by Russia, alongside a staggering 108 drones. The assault utilised advanced Russian weaponry, including Iskander and hypersonic Zircon missiles, as well as 125 drones. Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko confirmed that firefighters are battling blazes at two warehouses in the aftermath of the bombardment.
The strikes on Kyiv come in response to a series of Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian targets, including two warehouses belonging to Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer. These retaliatory strikes caused major fires and resulted in eight fatalities and numerous injuries across facilities in Tambov and Elektrostal. President Zelensky stated that Ukraine's operations were a direct response to Russian attacks on its civilian infrastructure and communities.
In the past week alone, Russia has deployed approximately 1,450 strike drones, over 1,640 guided bombs, and 99 missiles of various types against Ukraine. This escalation comes as Ukraine has intensified its long-range drone attacks on Russia's critical energy infrastructure, reportedly disabling nearly 43% of Russia's oil refining capacity. Kyiv maintains that Russian oil and gas facilities are legitimate targets, arguing that Moscow heavily relies on fossil fuel exports to fund its ongoing invasion.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) continues to advise against all travel to Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict. British nationals currently in Ukraine are urged to leave immediately if it is safe to do so. The intensification of these attacks underscores the continued severe security risks across the country.