Russia Launches Ballistic Missile and Drone Attack on Ukraine's Capital

Ukrainian officials reported at least two people killed and eight wounded, including four children, after a Russian ballistic missile and barrage of drones hit Kyiv's apartment buildings before dawn on Wednesday. The attack came ahead of Russia's planned 72-hour unilateral ceasefire to coincide with Victory Day celebrations in Moscow. The Kremlin announced the truce on humanitarian grounds, but Ukraine has accepted a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the US.

Key Takeaways:

• The Russian attack involved at least one ballistic missile and 28 drones, with air defense forces shooting down the missile and 11 drones.
• The attack hit residential buildings in the Shevchenkivskyi, Sviatoshynskyi, and Dniprovskyi districts of Kyiv, causing fires and damage.
• Four people, including three children, were hospitalized, and others received treatment on site.
• In the Sviatoshynskyi district, a fire broke out across multiple upper-floor apartments of a nine-story building after drone debris impact.
• Local officials in Russia reported shooting down dozens of Ukrainian drones overnight, with officials in Moscow and other regions announcing similar interceptions.
• The attack comes ahead of Russia's planned 72-hour ceasefire and Ukraine's acceptance of a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the US.

Statistics:

• At least two people were killed, and eight wounded, including four children.
• At least 130 people were injured in drone attacks across Russia, with over 140 airborne targets destroyed.
• Russian air defense forces shot down 11 drones out of 28 recorded in Kyiv's airspace.
• The attack destroyed residential buildings and caused fires in multiple districts of Kyiv.

Sources:

• Ukrainian officials, Kyiv City Military Administration (Telegram post)
• Kremlin, statement on the 72-hour ceasefire
• AP News, "Ukraine Buildup on Border of Donbas 'Concerning'
• The Associated Press, "Russia Launches Ballistic Missile and Drone Attack on Ukraine's Capital"