In a shocking turn of events, Russia has once again bombarded Kiev, leaving behind a trail of destruction and causing injuries to numerous citizens. This is the second time within a short span that the Ukrainian capital has been targeted with missile strikes, resulting in several buildings being damaged and a children's hospital being affected.
By Wednesday morning, rescue workers reported 53 individuals injured. Among them, 20, including two children, required hospitalization. The remaining injured received outpatient treatment. Regrettably, there were no reports of casualties as yet.
The Ukrainian air force confirmed that ten ballistic missiles were aimed at Kiev. All attempts were successfully thwarted by the country's air defense system. However, the specific type of Russian missiles used isn't yet clear, pending the discovery of their remnants.
Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the damage occurred due to debris from the attacking missiles and anti-aircraft missiles. In one of the city's eastern districts, a nine-story high-rise building caught fire, and eight cars were burned in its courtyard. Multiple fires broke out, and windows of several houses shattered. Additionally, a children's hospital and a water supply system sustained minor damage.
The Ukrainian military also reported the interception of ten Russian combat drones during the night-time air attack on Ukraine. This marks the second such attack on Kiev within a short period, following an attack that occurred just a few days ago. Interestingly, Kiev had been relatively peaceful for some time prior to these attacks.
Since over 21 months, Ukraine has vigorously fought off a Russian invasion. The Ukrainian hinterland faces almost daily attacks by Russian drones and missiles. However, with substantial reinforcements from the Western world, the Ukrainian air defense system has significantly improved.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko, expressing concern over the latest attack on Kiev, appealed for peace and international intervention. The attack on a children's hospital in particular demonstrated the indiscriminate nature of the Russian aggression.
Further Insights
- The Russian forces employed a combined assault of 14 missiles and 161 drones during these overnight attacks.
- The primary targets were critical infrastructure facilities, including gas infrastructure, and residential areas.
- One person lost their life, and three others were injured in Kyiv, with several buildings and properties suffering damage.
- Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted six missiles and 71 of the 123 drones deployed by Russian forces during these attacks.
- The attack on a children's hospital in July 2023 left at least 24 people, including staff and visitors, dead. The hospital was hit by a Russian X-101 cruise missile, as confirmed by video evidence.
- The attack on the children's hospital was widely condemned by international leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, who described it as a "horrific reminder of Russia's brutality."
In these challenging times, Ukraine remains resilient, relying on its robust defense system and international support to protect its people and territory against the Russian onslaught.
