In a tragic turn of events, the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, faced renewed devastation on Sunday as Russian air raids resulted in the death of one individual. The attack targeted the Darnytskyi district, leaving three others injured and causing significant fire-related damage to cars and infrastructure. This incident follows closely on the heels of Friday’s assault on Kryvyi Rih, where the death toll continues to climb.
Authorities in Kyiv discovered the victim near the heart of the chaos, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The calamity has led Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to decry the mounting aggression, urging the international community to exert greater pressure on Russia. In a social media statement, Zelenskyy reported that Russia had unleashed over 1,460 guided bombs, nearly 670 drones, and more than 30 missiles in just the past week.
Zelenskyy attributed these relentless strikes to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s defiance against global diplomatic efforts. “Russia’s actions are a stark reminder that the war is far from over, and the world cannot afford to relax its guard,” he warned. He also mentioned the launching of missiles from Russian ships in the Black Sea, emphasizing Moscow’s conditional stance on the ceasefire talks involving Western sanctions.
In Kryvyi Rih, the aftermath of Friday’s lethal attack became grimmer as the death toll reached 20, including several children, with 75 others injured. To honor and mourn the victims, Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the city’s military administration, declared a three-day period of mourning. Vilkul expressed the anguish felt by millions and reinforced the resolve to persevere.
A visit from the U.N. Human Rights Office in Ukraine documented this episode as the deadliest for children since the February 2022 invasion began. Local reports indicate that the city bore substantial infrastructure loss, with considerable damage to residential buildings. Conflicting narratives emerged as the Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have targeted a gathering of military and Western officials in a high-precision operation, a claim refuted by the Ukrainian General Staff.
The broader impact of the overnight strikes was significant, with Russian forces deploying 23 missiles and an array of 109 drones across Ukraine. The Ukrainian air force’s efforts resulted in the interception of 13 missiles and 40 drones, while 53 drones were jammed. Further south, in Kherson, a drone attack claimed the life of a 59-year-old man, marking another somber addition to the day’s toll.
Meanwhile, Russia reported the downing of 11 Ukrainian drones, with most being intercepted over the Rostov and Kursk regions. The situation remains dire, highlighting the ongoing volatility and humanitarian plight faced by those caught in the crosshairs of this prolonged conflict.