Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, faced a heavy missile attack in the early hours of Thursday, marking the first such incident in six weeks. The attack occurred shortly after a visit by US national security adviser Jake Sullivan to the city.
During the attack, more than 25,000 people sought refuge in the city's metro stations. Videos and images circulated on social media depicted crowded underground scenes reminiscent of the war's early days.
Officials reported that Russia launched two ballistic missiles and 29 cruise missiles at the Kyiv region. Fortunately, all the missiles were intercepted and shot down. Tests are underway to determine the exact missile types, with indications pointing to the possibility of North Korean origin for the ballistic missiles.
Despite the intensity of the attack, only about a dozen people sustained injuries from falling debris, and there were no reported fatalities.
Residents shared their harrowing experiences, with accounts of shattered windows, damaged properties, and close calls with the impact. One resident, an 80-year-old woman, described waking up to a loud blast that left her windows shattered but thankfully escaped unharmed.
Businesses also suffered damages, with one shop owner revealing that it was the second time her shop had been targeted. The community rallied together to assess and repair the damages caused by the attack.
Authorities confirmed that critical infrastructure facilities and residential buildings were spared from direct hits, although images showed a large crater near residential buildings, underscoring the proximity of the danger.
Following the attack, over 25,000 people, including 3,000 children, sought shelter in the metro stations until the air raid warning was lifted. Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky emphasized the need for increased military support from allies to bolster the country's defense against such attacks.
The air force indicated that the ballistic missiles used in the attack could be of North Korean or Russian origin, highlighting the evolving nature of the conflict and the challenges faced by Ukraine in defending against advanced weaponry.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the urgent need for international support to safeguard the country's sovereignty and protect its citizens from further harm.
