Before dawn on Saturday, Russian missiles struck Kyiv, killing nine people and injuring over 30, as part of a fierce Russian air campaign. Vitali Klitschko, Kyiv’s mayor, referred to the event as a ‘horrific night.’ According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the attack involved 35 missiles and 185 attack drones. Due to a dwindling supply of Patriot air defense missiles, only one ballistic missile, out of 27, was intercepted.

The bombardment impacted five areas in Kyiv, causing extensive damage. Fires erupted, prompting rescue efforts to save residents from burning apartment buildings. Firefighters worked through the smoke and darkness, as charred cars were visible in streets and courtyards. An AP photograph depicted a covered body near burned vehicles, and another showed a blood-stained crosswalk filled with debris.

Casualties in Kyiv’s Neighborhoods

Explosions around 1:30 a.m. caused significant damage. In Darnytskyi district, seven died and 14 were injured. In Solomianskyi district, debris and fire harmed a five-story building. Crews rescued 35 residents, though two lost their lives, and children were among those injured. Firefighters managed to stop a fire in Shevchenkivskyi district, and there was more damage in other areas. Lithuania reported its Kyiv embassy suffered damage due to nearby missile strikes.

Russia described the attack as a major strike on military and logistics sites. Ukrainian officials stated the strikes were aimed at exploiting Kyiv’s lack of missile interceptors, tying this shortage to their appeals to President Trump. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for interceptors to prevent more casualties.

Efforts for Defense Capabilities

After a recent meeting with Trump, Zelenskyy hoped Ukraine could manufacture Patriot missiles. Trump, however, noted discussions were ongoing about sharing such technology. The urgency followed another Russian strike earlier, killing at least ten people in Ukraine.

Strikes Beyond Kyiv

Russian attacks extended beyond Kyiv. In Kherson, an airstrike killed one and injured 19. Ukraine continued retaliatory actions, targeting Russian energy infrastructure. Ukrainian drones struck three oil refineries in Bashkortostan. Additionally, a Ukrainian drone hit a Russian container ship in the Black Sea. Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear firm, claimed the ship only carried frozen food and construction materials.