Russian Missile Barrage Kills 17 as Zelensky Blames Delayed Air Defence Support
At least 17 people have been killed and dozens injured after Russia launched one of its deadliest missile and drone attacks on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, with President Volodymyr Zelensky accusing international partners of delaying the delivery of vital air defence systems.
The overnight assault targeted Kyiv and surrounding areas, destroying residential buildings, warehouses and other civilian facilities. Emergency workers rushed to the affected locations to rescue survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures as fires spread across several parts of the city.
Zelensky said the tragedy could have been reduced if Ukraine had received more Patriot missile interceptors and other air defence systems on time. He urged allied nations to speed up military assistance, saying delays were costing innocent lives.
According to Ukrainian officials, the country’s air force intercepted many of the drones launched during the attack but was unable to stop the incoming ballistic missiles because of a shortage of interceptor missiles.
Authorities declared a day of mourning in Kyiv as rescue teams continued searching through the rubble for more victims. Several people remained trapped while dozens of others received treatment for injuries sustained during the bombardment.
The latest attack is part of an increase in Russia’s long-range missile and drone strikes against Ukrainian cities, with civilian infrastructure frequently suffering extensive damage despite Moscow insisting it targets military facilities.
International leaders condemned the assault and renewed calls for stronger support for Ukraine’s air defence capabilities, warning that more civilian lives could be lost if military assistance continues to arrive slowly.
As the conflict enters another intense phase, Ukraine continues to press its allies for faster weapons deliveries while Russia maintains pressure through large-scale aerial attacks across the country.