Massive Attack on Kyiv Leaves Casualties
Russian military forces unleashed a significant onslaught of drones and missiles on Kyiv, resulting in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries. This assault is noted as one of the most substantial the city has faced since the conflict started four years ago.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that four individuals have lost their lives, while nearly 100 have sustained injuries throughout the nation. The primary focus of the attack was Kyiv, where around 30 residential structures suffered damage or were destroyed. Other affected sites included the Chornobyl Museum and the National Art Museum.
In the aftermath, the World Health Organization’s Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, mentioned that the WHO office in Kyiv suffered damage from debris, impacting third-floor windows. He emphasized that the building houses several UN agencies.
“Attacks on health and civilians MUST STOP,” Ghebreyesus expressed on social media. “We once again urge for a ceasefire. Peace is the best medicine.”
Matthias Schmale, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, indicated that the attack persisted for seven hours. He recounted being jolted awake by the alarming sounds of warfare.
“Just like the other residents of Kyiv, my UN colleagues and I were once again roused in the middle of the night due to the horrifying sounds of war,” Schmale shared. He noted that homes and markets were struck, with debris igniting fires across the city.
Many world leaders condemned the violence. French President Emmanuel Macron criticized the assault, highlighting the use of the Oreshnik ballistic missile.
“France condemns this attack and the use of the Oreshnik ballistic missile, which reflects a reckless escalation of Russia’s aggression,” Macron stated.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also expressed strong disapproval, lamenting the attacks on civilian targets.
“On the night leading into Pentecost Sunday, Russia targeted civilian locations in Ukraine. The Federal Government firmly condemns this dangerous escalation and stands resolutely with Ukraine,” Merz said.
Reports surfaced that an Oreshnik missile struck Bila Tserkva, a city near Kyiv. Colonel Yurii Ihnat from the Ukrainian Air Force confirmed the missile’s usage.
The Ukrainian Air Force announced that Russia deployed 690 air attack assets, including 600 drones, in this operation. Their defense forces claimed to have destroyed or neutralized 604 of these threats.
Prior to the assault, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv had issued a warning about a “potentially significant air attack” that could unfold within the next day, advising American citizens to be prepared for immediate sheltering during air alerts. The travel advisory for Ukraine remains at “Level 4: Do Not Travel.”
