Russia launches ‘massive attack’ on Kyiv and surrounding region – Europe live

Russia launched a massive overnight attack on Kyiv and its surrounding region, utilizing a combination of different missile types. According to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, 18 people were hospitalized as a result of the strikes. Emergency and clean-up efforts are ongoing across three districts of the city. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated that Russia had been preparing for this attack for a considerable time. The capital is currently recovering from the extensive assault.

Russia launched a massive overnight missile strike on Kyiv and the surrounding region on Thursday, resulting in at least eight deaths and 33 injuries, according to Ukrainian authorities. Apartment blocks and warehouses were targeted, with a children's hospital and school also sustaining damage. Rescue efforts are underway for individuals trapped in collapsed buildings. Separately, a drone entered Romanian airspace near the northern border with Ukraine, crashing in an uninhabited area without causing casualties or damage. Poland also initiated defensive air operations to protect its airspace.

Russian forces launched a ballistic missile attack on Kyiv, killing at least three people and wounding 20, with 14 hospitalized. The strike occurred shortly after midnight, causing explosions across several districts, damaging a residential building and a children's hospital. Parts of affected districts lost electricity, and some residents were reported trapped. Ukraine's Air Force had warned of incoming ballistic and Zircon missiles. This attack follows the Ukrainian parliament's confirmation of Yevhenii Khmara as the country's new defense minister.

United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher warned that the increasing use of Russian drones poses a significant threat to civilians and humanitarian operations in Ukraine. During a visit to Kherson, Fletcher observed how drones are used to attack civilians and vehicles, hindering aid delivery. He highlighted that even marked humanitarian vehicles have been targeted, restricting the ability of aid workers to reach those in need, particularly local organizations. Fletcher also noted that the UN requires over $2 billion for its humanitarian response in Ukraine and faces challenges in fundraising due to shifting government priorities. The UN is seeking $23 billion globally for humanitarian aid but has only raised $11 billion.

Russian attacks on Ukraine have resulted in at least five deaths and 11 injuries. In the front-line city of Kherson, a Russian drone attack on a bus killed four passengers and wounded four others on Wednesday morning. Kherson regional Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported the incident, stating the wounded were hospitalized. Russian forces have been regularly striking Kherson with drones, which Ukraine claims deliberately targets civilians. The United Nations has reported an increase in civilian deaths in Ukraine this year, with 437 killed last month. Russia's Defence Ministry stated it downed 453 Ukrainian drones overnight across various regions.