Russia launched a barrage of ballistic and cruise missiles, along with drones, targeting Ukraine's capital early Saturday and injuring at least 10 people. The strikes come as Kyiv is experiencing a critical shortage of air defense munitions, leaving the city vulnerable to swift Russian attacks.
Explosions were heard in Kyiv in the early morning hours before an air alert was announced. Ukraine's air force reported that Russia deployed six ballistic missiles, six cruise missiles, and 121 drones. The air force stated it intercepted at least two cruise missiles and 111 drones. However, Ukraine has struggled to intercept ballistic missiles, which travel at supersonic speeds, in recent weeks due to depleted supplies for its Patriot air defense systems.
This latest attack follows a pattern of increased strikes on the capital by Russia in recent weeks. Since the beginning of July, attacks on Kyiv and its surrounding region have resulted in over 60 fatalities.
Damage was reported at a non-residential building in one district, with smoke seen emanating from another area. An office building caught fire as a result of the strike, according to the city's military administration via the Telegram messaging app. Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that a transformer substation was also ablaze, and some residential buildings sustained damage from blown-out windows.
In total, 11 locations across Ukraine were hit during the coordinated assault.