Russia Launches Major Assault on Ukrainian Cities
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia unleashed a barrage of drones and missiles targeting Ukraine’s largest cities, resulting in the loss of at least 11 lives and damaging a cherished religious site. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other officials confirmed the events on Monday.
The cities affected by this assault include Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, and Kharkiv, its second-largest city. The attack follows phone conversations between Zelenskyy, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and U.S. President Donald Trump, indicating ongoing diplomatic efforts to curb the conflict since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
‘This is how Russia shows the world its intention to continue the war,’ Zelenskyy stated, emphasizing the significance of the attack and urging decisive support from the G7 nations for Ukraine’s defenses.
Impact on Civilians and Kyiv’s Historical Sites
The strikes claimed 11 lives, with 53 individuals wounded across Ukraine. Kyiv, in particular, faced severe damage, with its Shevchenkivskyi district hit by five strikes within half an hour. A 25-story apartment building suffered a direct impact, alongside fires at a market and grocery store. In the Obolonskyi district, a nine-story residential building was also targeted.
Among the wounded in Kyiv were two children aged 5 and 6. Authorities reported a series of powerful explosions as ballistic missiles and Shahed drones spread fear across the city.
The attack damaged the Dormition Cathedral at Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a historic monastery complex. Smoke surrounded its golden domes, and the roof caught fire during the attack. Metropolitan Epiphanius, head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, condemned the strike, appealing for prayers.
Claims and Counterclaims
The Russian Defense Ministry asserted the strikes aimed at facilities related to Ukraine’s defense capabilities in cities including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipro. They claimed to have targeted enterprises producing components for drones and missiles, mentioning specific sites like Kyiv’s Radar plant and Dovzhenko film studios.
In contrast, Ukraine’s air force documented Russia’s launch of 70 missiles and 611 drones overnight, highlighting efforts to intercept many of these aerial threats. The intercepted debris resulted in damage across multiple locations.
Despite Russia’s assertions, Ukraine insists the attack was deliberate and harmful, particularly with the damage inflicted upon the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ukrainian officials are seeking international support to hold Russia accountable.