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Zelenskyy Cries Out for More Patriot Missiles After Deadly Russian Strike Kills Nine in Kyiv |
Summary
Nine people were killed and dozens injured after Russia launched 35 missiles and 185 drones across Ukraine.
Residential buildings, a school, the Lithuanian Embassy and key infrastructure were damaged in Kyiv.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Western allies to urgently supply more Patriot missile interceptors.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appealed to Ukraine's Western allies for more Patriot missile interceptors after a large-scale Russian missile and drone attack killed at least nine people and left dozens injured in Kyiv and other parts of the country. Read original
According to Zelenskyy, Russia carried out an overnight assault involving 35 missiles, including 27 ballistic missiles, alongside 185 attack drones. Kyiv was the main target, while the Dnipro, Sumy, Kharkiv and Poltava regions also came under attack.
Emergency response teams worked through the night to contain fires and rescue victims from damaged buildings across the capital.
"Since last night, response efforts have been underway in Kyiv and the surrounding region following Russia's strike. There were numerous fires across the city," Zelenskyy said.
The Ukrainian leader said seven districts of Kyiv were affected, with the attacks damaging 18 residential buildings, a school, the Lithuanian Embassy and several infrastructure facilities.
"As of now, nine people have been reported killed in this attack. My condolences to their families and loved ones. Dozens of people were injured. Medical teams are helping everyone who needs it," he added.
Zelenskyy expressed concern over Ukraine's limited air defence capabilities, revealing that only one of the ballistic missiles launched during the assault was intercepted.
"Only one ballistic missile was intercepted, simply because there are no interceptors for the Patriot systems. And it is this shortage of ballistic missile interceptors that only encourages Russia to launch such attacks that take human lives," he said.
The president renewed his call for immediate military assistance, stressing that additional Patriot interceptors are urgently needed to protect civilians from continued missile attacks.
"It is critical that partners hear that these capabilities are needed not somewhere in stockpiles for hypothetical scenarios, but here and now, to contain and stop the Russian war in Ukraine," Zelenskyy said.
He added:
"Every package of ballistic missile interceptors saves the lives of our people. And every night without them results in more casualties."
The latest bombardment is part of Russia's ongoing campaign of long-range missile and drone attacks targeting Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure. Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly called on Western allies to speed up the delivery of advanced air defence systems as Russia intensifies its strikes.
