At least 27 people were killed and more than 90 injured after Russian drones and missiles struck residential buildings in Kyiv on Friday. The assault, described as the "most massive enemy attack" by Mayor Vitali Klitschko, targeted multiple locations across the city, causing extensive damage and casualties.
Details of the Attack on Kyiv
The Ukrainian military reported that Russia launched a total of 570 aerial objects during the overnight assault. This included 24 Iskander ballistic missiles and approximately 50 cruise missiles, with nearly 500 drones involved. The attack lasted for around 11 hours, with many residential buildings suffering severe damage.
According to Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv's military administration, rescue teams are still working through the rubble, and the death toll is expected to rise. Emergency crews reported significant destruction, including a nine-story building that partially collapsed due to a direct hit.
Responses from Ukrainian Officials
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, stating they also targeted other regions like Kharkiv, where five people were injured. Zelenskyy emphasized the urgent need for air defense supplies, particularly Patriot missiles, to protect civilian infrastructure from future assaults.
In a statement, Zelenskyy declared, "We also very much count on a decision by the United States regarding licenses for Patriots and other forms of cooperation." He visited the destroyed apartment building to assess the damage and express solidarity with the victims.
Impact of Russian Drone Warfare
The recent Russian strike is seen as retaliation for Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Moscow. This pattern of escalation highlights the ongoing conflict's intensity, with both sides suffering significant casualties. A recent analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) revealed that over 90% of Russian casualties were attributed to drone attacks rather than direct combat.
Since the onset of the war in February 2022, Russian forces have reportedly sustained around 1.4 million battlefield casualties, while Ukrainian forces have faced approximately 525,000 to 625,000 casualties. The total number of soldiers killed or wounded from both sides exceeds 2 million.
- 27 dead and 90 injured in Kyiv
- 570 aerial objects launched by Russia
- 24 Iskander ballistic missiles used
- 11-hour assault duration
- Over 90% of Russian casualties from drone attacks
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by DW English. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
