In one of the largest missile strikes, Russia launched extensive attacks across Ukraine, resulting in significant casualties and widespread destruction in the neighbouring nation with which it has been at war since February 26, 2022. According to a report by news agency Reuters, these assaults led to the deaths of 31 people and left approximately 160 individuals injured. The attacks began on Thursday at midnight and continued through Friday.
In Kyiv, the missiles hit multiple locations, including a warehouse, residential buildings, and an unoccupied property, resulting in nine fatalities and 30 injuries. The Ukrainian air force responded by downing numerous cruise missiles and drones out of a total of 158 aerial targets fired by Russia. Defence Minister Rustem Umerov labelled this assault as the “most massive air attack of this war”, involving 18 strategic bombers.
The Ukrainian foreign ministry stated that such aggression dismisses any possibility of a truce, especially amid uncertainties regarding Western support for Kyiv. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba urged allies to continue providing long-term aid to Ukraine.
“Today, millions of Ukrainians awoke to the loud sound of explosions. I wish those sounds of explosions in Ukraine could be heard all around the world,” Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba was quoted as saying by Reuters.
The attacks extended to various regions, causing devastation in multiple cities. In the Zaporizhzhia region, eight individuals lost their lives, and 13 were injured, with damage to civilian infrastructure. Odesa witnessed four fatalities and 22 injuries, including children, due to strikes on residential buildings. Lviv reported one casualty and 30 injuries, with damage to schools and a kindergarten. Additionally, a maternity ward caught fire during the assault.
In Kharkiv, missile strikes affected a warehouse, an industrial facility, a medical centre, and a transport depot, leading to three deaths and 13 injuries. These attacks have resulted in immense human suffering and extensive damage to vital infrastructure across various regions in Ukraine.
For weeks, Ukraine has warned of Russia stockpiling missiles for major air attacks on the energy system, reminiscent of last winter’s assault.
US Slams Attack On Ukraine
The United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, strongly condemned Russia’s “horrific” attacks on Ukraine and stressed the need to support Ukraine’s defence. He called for Congressional action to release additional funds for military aid and expressed the urgency of the situation.
In a post on X, Blinken expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “The US strongly condemns Russia’s horrific strikes across Ukraine today. As Putin continues his brutal war of aggression, we must support Ukraine in defending itself.”
“Ukrainians have done what no one thought was possible: stood toe to toe with one of the biggest militaries, conceded no territory, and they pushed Russia’s navy back in the Black Sea and opened a corridor to allow them to export grain and other products to the world,” he said in another post.