**Russia Launches Mass Missile and Drone Attack on Kyiv, Ukraine**
In a shocking display of military might, Russia has carried out a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s capital city, Kyiv. The attack has resulted in the deaths of at least 21 people, with over 100 others wounded.
The assault began overnight into Tuesday and lasted for more than nine hours, sending residents fleeing to underground shelters from before midnight until after sunrise. A drone smashed into an apartment block, destroying dozens of flats and sparking widespread panic.
According to Ukrainian officials, Russia launched a total of 440 drones and 32 missiles at various targets in the city, including residential buildings, critical infrastructure, and educational facilities. The attack was one of the largest on Kyiv since the start of Russia’s full-scale war with Ukraine.
“It is one of the most terrifying strikes,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who condemned the attack as “pure terrorism.”
**Casualties Mount**
The death toll has continued to rise, with officials initially reporting 15 fatalities in Kyiv, later revising the figure to 10, and then increasing it again to 21. Two more people were killed in the southern city of Odesa.
A 62-year-old US citizen was among those killed in the attack on Kyiv, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
“It is a tragedy that affects not only Ukraine but also our international partners,” said Klitschko, who accused Russia of using cluster bomblets filled with ball bearings to maximize casualties.
**Escalating Conflict**
The attack comes as tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate. Russia has intensified its air attacks against Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, using a tactic of sending large waves of drones and decoys designed to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses.
In response, Kyiv has launched its own attacks on Russian targets, including a reported missile strike on a district in occupied Donetsk in eastern Ukraine on Tuesday.
“Russia’s most recent wave of strikes is solely because he can afford to continue this war,” said President Zelensky, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. “It is bad when the powerful of this world turn a blind eye to this.”
**Global Reaction**
The attack has sparked outrage and condemnation from around the world.
“It is pure terrorism,” said Zelensky, who had been hoping to secure US support at the G7 summit on Tuesday. The meeting was cut short amid the escalating crisis in the Middle East.
In response to the attack, the UK and its allies are expected to announce additional sanctions on Russia on Tuesday in continued efforts to sustain pressure on Moscow over its war in Ukraine.
**Rescue Efforts Ongoing**
As rescue workers continue to search for survivors trapped under rubble, officials warned that the number of casualties could rise further.
“People were still under the rubble by late afternoon,” said Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. “Initial mistakes made in counting the dead often happened because body parts were wrongly identified.”
The attack has left a trail of devastation and despair in its wake, with residents of Kyiv forced to confront the harsh realities of war.
“We are living in a nightmare,” wrote Ukrainian MP Lesia Vasylenko on social media. “People trapped under rubble and full buildings collapsed.”
Read More @ www.bbc.com
