A devastating early morning Russian missile attack on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, has resulted in the death of at least one person and injuries to 12 others. Five of the injured were hospitalized, while the rest received treatment at the scene. Falling debris from the missile strikes caused significant damage, including fires, destroyed vehicles, and structural impacts on buildings. This attack follows Russian President Vladimir Putin’s provocative remarks during his end-of-year conference, where he suggested a technological “duel” with Ukraine, prompting a scornful response from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
According to Ukraine’s Air Force Command, Russia launched five ballistic missiles at Kyiv, all of which were intercepted by Ukrainian air defenses. Additionally, 40 UAVs were neutralized, while 20 other drones failed to reach their targets. Despite these defenses, debris caused by the interception inflicted damage on central Kyiv. The strikes also led to damage in two districts, including office buildings, roads, gas pipelines, and a construction site, where fires broke out. The Kyiv City Military Administration reported several cars catching fire as well.
Kyiv Suffers Devastating Missile Attack Amid Rising Tensions Between Russia and Ukraine
Embassies housed in the same building were affected, with damage reported to those of Albania, Argentina, Palestine, North Macedonia, Portugal, and Montenegro. Windows and doors of these facilities were smashed, leading Portugal to summon the Russian chargé d’affaires in protest. Ukraine’s foreign ministry condemned the attack as “barbaric.” The strikes also highlight escalating tensions, with Russia claiming its missile barrage was in retaliation for Ukraine’s earlier attack on a chemical plant in Russia’s Rostov region using U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles.
Russia’s Ministry of Defense stated that Friday’s strikes targeted Ukrainian military facilities, including an SBU command post and missile system design sites. The ministry claimed all targets were successfully hit. In response, Zelensky emphasized the need for stricter sanctions against Russia and thanked Ukraine’s international partners for their support, particularly in providing advanced air defense systems to counter ongoing Russian aggression.
Meanwhile, the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson faced heavy shelling by Russian forces on Friday morning. This assault killed two people and injured ten more, according to local military authorities. The coordinated strikes across Ukraine illustrate a continued escalation in the conflict, with devastating effects on civilian infrastructure and lives, reinforcing the urgent need for diplomatic solutions and increased international support for Ukraine.
