The Ukrainian capital endured its most intense bombardment of the conflict on Wednesday, with at least 13 civilians killed and dozens wounded in a coordinated missile and drone attack across multiple districts. The assault, described by Ukrainian officials as the largest single strike on Kyiv since the invasion began, struck residential areas, critical infrastructure, and a children's hospital in the western part of the city. Air raid sirens wailed for over six hours as Russian forces launched a combination of cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and Iranian-designed Shahed drones, overwhelming Ukrainian air defence systems in some sectors.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack as a deliberate act of terror, calling for immediate delivery of advanced air defence systems from Western allies. The Kremlin did not comment directly on the strike, but Russian officials have repeatedly stated that their military targets Ukrainian infrastructure supporting what they term a 'special military operation'. The attack comes as diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict remain stalled, with both sides entrenched in their positions.
International organisations have condemned the strike, with the United Nations noting that attacks on civilian infrastructure constitute a potential war crime. The incident is likely to accelerate discussions on further military aid for Ukraine, including longer-range missiles and additional air defence batteries. For residents of Kyiv, the assault is a grim reminder that the war remains perilously close, even as attention shifts to other global crises.
