Russia launched a missile attack on Ukraine’s capital of Kyiv on Monday, causing damage to homes and infrastructure and injuring at least two people. Ukrainian air defence units were able to destroy more than 10 cruise missiles and nearly 10 ballistic missiles. Air raid alerts were issued across Ukraine for nearly two hours, with neighbouring NATO member Poland activating aircraft to protect its airspace during the attacks. The attack caused fires and damage to a boiler house at a water plant and an entrance to a metro station that doubles as a bomb shelter in the Svyatoshynksyi district.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that the Svyatoshynksyi district, which is home to universities and schools, was among those affected by falling debris from destroyed missiles. Emergency services also responded to the districts of Svyatoshynksyi, Holosiivskyi, and Solomyanskyi. Solomyanskyi, a district that includes a major train station and Kyiv’s main airport, was also impacted by the attack. The attack led to cars being set ablaze across the city and a non-residential building in the Shevchenkivskyi district suffering damage.
Witnesses in Kyiv reported hearing a series of loud explosions believed to be the work of air defence units. The attack occurred exactly one week after Russia launched a massive assault on Ukraine, leading to the deaths of seven people and targeting energy facilities nationwide. Kyiv described the attack as the “most massive” in the ongoing war that began when Russia invaded Ukraine 30 months ago. Russia has denied targeting civilians in the conflict, despite evidence to the contrary.
The Ukrainian military mobilized to defend against the attack on Kyiv, successfully intercepting and destroying a significant number of missiles. The city’s infrastructure suffered damage, including to a water plant and a metro station serving as a bomb shelter. The attack caused fires and injuries to civilians, with emergency services responding to multiple districts across the city. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has escalated in recent weeks, with Kyiv facing increased missile strikes and casualties.
Neighbouring NATO member Poland activated its aircraft to protect its airspace during the attack on Kyiv, demonstrating solidarity with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. The assault on the Ukrainian capital marks a significant escalation in the conflict, with Russia intensifying its military operations against Ukraine. The international community has condemned Russia’s actions and called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The attack on Kyiv highlights the devastating impact of the war on civilians and the urgent need for a diplomatic solution to end the violence and suffering in Ukraine.
