At least three people, including a child, were killed in overnight Russian missile attacks east of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, officials reported Saturday. Witnesses described hearing powerful explosions in the early hours.
Falling debris damaged apartment buildings and cars, and a fire broke out at a separate building, according to the head of the regional military administration, Timur Tkachenko. Three other individuals were wounded in the ballistic missile strikes. Emergency crews worked to extinguish fires at a building and a fuel tank in Kyiv, Mayor Vitaly Klitchko stated.
The state emergency service shared images of garages, a business, and a building ablaze in Kyiv, reporting that the number of victims was still being clarified.
These attacks occurred as President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Serbia, having previously voiced concerns about Ukraine's ability to counter Russian missile assaults due to diminishing stockpiles of interceptors. Zelensky noted that delays in receiving anti-ballistic systems from allies have led to "horrific casualties and destruction," asserting that enhanced interceptor capabilities "could have saved lives" during recent deadly strikes.
He further stated that the supply of interceptors from allies had been "significantly reduced" this year. The intensified strikes follow Ukraine's actions earlier in the week, which involved hitting two oil refineries deep inside Russia and Moscow-linked vessels in the Black Sea. Zelensky described these operations as intended to limit oil revenues that Russia uses to "finance" its war in Ukraine.
Recent mediation efforts have faltered, contributing to an escalation of attacks by both sides.
Retaliatory Strikes
Ukraine launched retaliatory attacks earlier in the week, targeting two oil refineries deep within Russian territory and Moscow-linked vessels in the Black Sea. President Zelensky indicated that these actions were aimed at curtailing oil revenues that Russia utilizes to fund its ongoing military operations in Ukraine.
The escalation comes amid stalled mediation talks between the two nations, indicating a widening conflict spiral.