Russian Missile Strikes Devastate Multiple Ukrainian Cities
In a harrowing escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russian forces launched a massive missile attack on Ukraine early Monday morning. President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced the strikes on X (formerly Twitter), stating that over 40 missiles of various types targeted several cities, including Kyiv, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Slovyansk, and Kramatorsk.
The Ukrainian president highlighted the extensive damage inflicted on apartment buildings, infrastructure, and a children's hospital. 'All services are mobilized to help as many people as possible. The whole world must use all its determination to finally put an end to Russian strikes. Killing is what Putin brings. Only together can we achieve real peace and security,' Zelensky emphasized.
Devastation Across Ukrainian Cities
Kyiv, the capital, faced one of its worst attacks in two years, with Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirming the death toll had risen to seven. 'This is one of the worst attacks. You can see: it’s a children’s hospital,' Klitschko lamented. The use of Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, one of Russia's most advanced weapons, was reported in the daylight attacks. These missiles, capable of flying at up to 10 times the speed of sound and maneuvering mid-flight, pose significant challenges for air defense systems.
The town of Kryvyi Rih, central Ukraine, experienced a 'massive missile attack' resulting in at least 10 deaths and 31 injuries, with 10 individuals critically injured. According to Oleksandr Vilkoul, head of the military administration, an industrial company was among the targets.
In Dnipro, a high-rise building was struck, injuring an unspecified number of civilians. Meanwhile, a Russian strike on Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast claimed the lives of at least three people. The tragic toll continued with five civilians killed in the Kharkiv region when their car ran over a mine planted by Russian forces.
The Russian strikes coincided with the eve of a three-day NATO summit in Washington, where member countries are expected to pledge continued support for Ukraine, including arms and munitions, for at least the next year.
- The Ukrainian military reported that the attacks on Kyiv included the use of Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, which are considered one of Russia's most advanced weapons. These missiles can fly at up to 10 times the speed of sound and can maneuver mid-flight, making them difficult for air defense systems to intercept.
- In Kryvyi Rih, an industrial company was among the targets hit by the massive missile attack. The town, which is President Volodymyr Zelensky's hometown, saw at least 10 deaths and 31 injuries, with 10 individuals critically injured.
- The strikes came just before a significant NATO summit in Washington, where member countries are expected to reaffirm their commitment to supporting Ukraine with arms and munitions for at least another year.
