Russia's Major Air Attack on Kyiv Leaves Death and Destruction in its Wake

The city of Kyiv was bombarded by Russian drones and missiles in a rare strike on the city centre, killing at least 21 people, wounding 48, and damaging European Union diplomatic offices. This attack marks the first major Russian attack on Kyiv in weeks, coinciding with US-led peace efforts to end the three-year war. The Kremlin has stated that Russia remains interested in continuing peace talks, despite the devastating air attack, which is one of the war's biggest since its inception in 2022.

Key Takeaways:

• At least 21 people were killed, and 48 were wounded in the Russian air attack on Kyiv, with four children among the dead.
• The attack was the first major combined Russian mass drone and missile attack to strike Kyiv since the US President Donald Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska to discuss ending the war in Ukraine.
• The attack damaged European Union diplomatic offices, with two strikes landing 20 seconds apart about 50 meters from the EU Mission to Ukraine building in Kyiv.
• Ukraine's Air Force reported that Russia launched 598 strike drones and decoys and 31 missiles of different types across the country, with at least 33 locations across all 10 districts of Kyiv directly hit or damaged by debris.
• Nearly 100 buildings were damaged, including a shopping centre in the city centre, with thousands of windows shattered.
• The British Council's Kyiv office was severely damaged in the attack, with a guard injured and the office closed to visitors until further notice.

Statistics:

• 598 strike drones and decoys launched by Russia across the country.
• 31 missiles of different types launched by Russia across the country.
• At least 33 locations across all 10 districts of Kyiv directly hit or damaged by debris.
• 100 buildings damaged, including nearly 50 buildings in the city centre.
• Thousands of windows shattered as a result of the attack.

Sources:

• Hanna Arhirova and Samya Kullab, "Russia's major air attack on Kyiv kills at least 21 and wounds 48, sources say", source not specified.
• World News, "Russia's air attack on Kyiv: Key takeaways and statistics", reported on X.
• Reuters, "Russia launches major air strike on Kyiv, killing at least 21 – Ukraine", reported on February 6.
• BBC News, "Russia-Ukraine conflict: Kyiv attack 'devastating' – UK PM", reported on February 6.
• Kyiv Post, "At least 21 killed, 48 wounded in Russia's air strike on Kyiv, officials say", reported on February 6.