Russia launched missiles against Kyiv for the third time in five days Monday, part of an apparent escalation of aerial bombardment of Ukrainian cities as the war stretches into its third year with the front line largely stationary. Seven people were injured in the strike on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko said.
Quick Read
- Increased Aerial Attacks on Ukraine: Russia intensified its missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, including a third attack on Kyiv in five days, as the conflict extends into its third year with minimal changes at the front line.
- Casualties in Kyiv: Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko reported seven injuries from the latest missile strike on the Ukrainian capital.
- Interception of Missiles: According to Serhii Popko, two ballistic missiles launched from occupied Crimea towards Kyiv were successfully intercepted above the city.
- Damage Reported: The Pecherskyi district experienced significant impact, with missile debris causing damage to residential areas and a gym across various districts.
- Zelenskyy’s Call for Support: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated the urgent need for additional air defense systems from Western allies to defend against continuous bombardments.
- Link to Concert Hall Attack in Russia: The Kyiv attack followed a deadly incident in Russia, where over 130 people were killed at a concert hall. Russian President Vladimir Putin associated the attack with Ukraine, despite claims of responsibility from an Islamic State group affiliate.
- Potential for Escalation: Analysts speculate that Putin might leverage the Moscow concert hall attack to bolster domestic war support and justify intensifying military actions against Ukraine.
The Associated Press has the story:
Kyiv endures a 3rd bombardment in 5 days as Russia steps up targeting of Ukrainian cities
Newslooks- KYIV, Ukraine (AP) —
Russia launched missiles against Kyiv for the third time in five days Monday, part of an apparent escalation of aerial bombardment of Ukrainian cities as the war stretches into its third year with the front line largely stationary.
Seven people were injured in the strike on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko said.
Russia fired two ballistic missiles at Kyiv from occupied Crimea in the daylight attack, but both were intercepted above the city, said Serhii Popko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration.
The Pecherskyi district was the hardest hit. Missile debris damaged homes in two districts and a gym in another district, Ukraine’s National Police said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renewed his appeal for Western partners to provide more air defense systems to protect against the unrelenting attacks.
“We never tire of repeating that Ukraine needs more air defense,” he said. “This is security for our cities and saved human lives.”
The attack came three days after a concert hall attack in Russia killed more than 130 people. Russian President Vladimir Putin sought to tie the attack to Ukraine, even though an affiliate of the Islamic State group claimed responsibility.
Putin could use the Moscow attack to shore up support for the war and as a pretext to escalate attacks on Ukraine, analysts said.
