Russia pounds Kyiv in major ballistic missile attack

Lead

Russia has launched one of its largest ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv, killing at least 10 people and wounding dozens, according to Ukrainian officials. The overnight assault, which involved dozens of missiles and drones, struck residential buildings, warehouses, and a supermarket across the capital, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.

"Overnight, Russia carried out one of its largest ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv," President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on X. "The enemy launched more than 40 missiles of various types — most of them against the capital." He said at least one person was killed and 16 others wounded, though other official tallies were higher.

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Reports of casualties varied across outlets. The State Emergency Service said at least nine people were killed and 23 injured in the attack on Saturday, according to one account. Another profile put the death toll at 10, and a separate report said at least 17 people were killed in an overnight attack on Kyiv and the surrounding region.

Across the various accounts, the number of missiles reported ranged from 35 to 41, with Zelenskyy citing both figures. The Ukrainian air force said 41 missiles were launched, with 18 intercepted. Another report said Russia fired more than 70 missiles and 280 drones in a later attack.

Key claims

The attack began at about 1:30 a.m. local time and continued for several hours, officials said. Kyiv's acting foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, called for "appropriate and strong responses" and described the event as a "brutal terrorist attack on the Ukrainian capital."

Residential buildings, warehouses, a supermarket, and a dormitory were among the structures damaged, Klitschko said, with three people in serious condition. An underground pedestrian passage near a frequently targeted metro station collapsed, leaving a pile of rubble.

Ukraine's air force said it shot down 18 of 41 missiles and 108 of 125 drones. President Zelenskyy said Ukraine needs interceptors for its Patriot air defense systems, which are in short supply, and has pressed allies for more support.

Russia's Defence Ministry said its forces had hit fuel reservoirs at Odesa's port, while Ukrainian officials reported at least 10 killed in a Russian strike on a ship near Odesa. In retaliation, Ukraine launched hundreds of drones toward Moscow, with officials reporting more than 400 launched and at least 10 wounded.