Russia Launches Largest Assault on Kyiv Since Start of Ukraine War

Russia's missile and drone attack on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, on Friday and Saturday was one of the biggest assaults on the city since the start of the war more than three years ago. The attack came hours after a prisoner exchange began, with 390 Ukrainians being released in the first phase of the deal. The assault has resulted in significant damage and loss of life, with 13 people killed and 15 injured, including two children. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for stronger pressure on Russia to achieve a cease-fire, including more sanctions on the Russian economy.

Key Takeaways:

• Russia launched 14 ballistic missiles and 250 drones on Kyiv, with Ukrainian forces shooting down six missiles and stopping 245 drones before they reached the city.
• The attack resulted in 13 people killed and 15 injured, including two children, with at least 15 people needing medical attention in Kyiv.
• The Ukrainian capital's main subway stations were used as shelters as the air raid alert lasted more than seven hours.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for stronger pressure on Russia, including more sanctions on the Russian economy to achieve a cease-fire.
• A five-story building in the Solomianskyi district caught fire, and seven people needed medical attention.
• Ukrainian parliament member Kira Rudik described the experience as "terrifying" and felt like "armageddon" due to the widespread explosions.

Statistics:

• 250 drones launched by Russia, with 245 shot down by Ukrainian forces.
• 14 ballistic missiles launched by Russia.
• 13 people killed in the attack.
• 15 people injured, including two children.
• 15 people needed medical attention in Kyiv.
• 7 people needed medical attention due to the fire at a five-story building in Kyiv.

Sources:

• Kviv Independent
• CNN
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's statement on X
• Russian defense ministry statement
• Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha's statement