In a severe escalation of hostilities, Russian forces launched a massive combined assault on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv in the early hours of Friday. The attack triggered widespread fires and sent debris scattering across numerous districts, creating a scene of chaos and destruction.
Widespread Damage and Casualties
The city's mayor, Vitali Klitschko, provided a stark assessment of the situation. In an official statement, he confirmed that the attack had left at least 11 people injured as emergency services scrambled to respond to multiple impact sites. The human cost was further detailed, with five of the victims requiring hospitalisation. Among those in a serious condition are one man who is critically injured and a pregnant woman.
Scenes of Terror and Destruction
The scale of the offensive was immense, with reports indicating that every district of Kyiv was affected in some way. The attack, described as a 'combined' assault, likely involved a mix of missiles and drones, overwhelming the city's defences. The resulting blazes lit up the night sky as firefighters battled to contain the flames ignited by falling shrapnel and direct hits.
This latest large-scale attack on the heart of Ukraine underscores the continued and severe threat faced by the nation's civilian population. The deliberate targeting of the capital represents a significant moment in the ongoing conflict, raising serious concerns about the immediate security and humanitarian situation in Kyiv.