Overnight Russian barrage kills nine in Kyiv, as air defense struggle with U.S. continues
A massive Russian missile and drone strike on Kyiv has resulted in nine deaths and over 30 injuries. President Zelenskyy cited a critical shortage of Patriot air defense missiles as the reason for the limited interception of the incoming projectiles.
Why it matters
The attack highlights the ongoing vulnerability of Ukrainian infrastructure and the urgent need for continued international military support to maintain air defense capabilities.
KYIV, Ukraine — Russian missiles tore into the Ukrainian capital before dawn on Saturday, killing nine people and injuring more than 30 others as part of an intensive, ongoing Russian air campaign.
"This was a horrific night for Kyiv," Vitali Klitschko, the city's mayor, said in a social media post.
The Russian attack included 35 missiles and 185 attack drones, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy . Only one of 27 ballistic missiles were shot down due to the country's dwindling supply of Patriot air defense missiles, the one weapon the country has to guard against such Russian attacks, Zelenskyy also said.
The bombardment hit five areas of Kyiv, setting off fires that sent rescue crews scrambling throughout the night to pull residents from damaged and burning apartment blocks.
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