Two individuals lost their lives and 13 others sustained injuries in Kyiv following strikes by Russian missiles and drones in Ukraine overnight, causing damage to various sites, including infrastructure and energy facilities, as reported by Ukrainian authorities on Saturday. The assault in Kyiv resulted in multiple fires and destruction of residential structures, such as a kindergarten, according to city officials.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko condemned the attacks, emphasizing that they once again targeted civilian and energy infrastructure, while accusing Russia of attempting to create a humanitarian crisis in Ukraine coinciding with winter. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha revealed that Russian missiles and drones also attacked the energy grid, railways, and residences in Dnipro, Kharkiv, and Sumy.
The Russian Defence Ministry stated on Telegram that the overnight attacks specifically aimed at Ukraine’s military-industrial complex enterprises and energy infrastructure supporting its operations. Additionally, the ministry claimed to have downed 121 Ukrainian drones overnight, including seven allegedly heading towards Moscow.
In Kyiv, large smoke clouds were observed on Saturday morning, with firefighters working to extinguish fires across the city. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the urgent need for Patriot air defense systems to shield Ukrainian cities from ongoing Russian assaults. Zelenskyy highlighted the significance of these systems in protecting against the barrage of ballistic and ‘Kinzhal’ missiles launched by Russia this year.
Zelenskyy stressed the importance of international support in acquiring the Patriot systems, emphasizing that these defense mechanisms have proven effective in countering Russian threats. Ukraine is currently in discussions to purchase 25 Patriot air defense systems from the U.S. to enhance its defense capabilities.
The Ukrainian air force reported downing four of nine missiles and 50 of 62 drones launched in the overnight attacks. They confirmed five direct missile hits and 12 drone strikes on various locations throughout the country. Zelenskyy called on America, Europe, and G7 nations to collaborate in preventing further attacks that endanger civilian lives.
