Russian ballistic missile attacks on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, early Saturday resulted in at least nine fatalities and over 20 injuries, according to Ukraine's State Emergency Service.
The strikes caused multiple explosions, fires, and power outages across the city. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported significant damage, including a partially destroyed residential building in the Shevchenkivskyi district trapping residents inside.
Casualties included seven deaths and 14 injuries in the Darnytskyi district and two deaths with eight injuries in Solomyanskyi, where a five-storey residential building was also damaged.
This escalation follows a recent attack that saw a suspected Russian cruise missile land in Poland, killing at least eight people, including six from one family near Kryvyih Rih.
Ukraine's Urgent Request for Patriot Missiles
President Volodymyr Zelensky has intensified calls for the United States to grant Ukraine a licence to produce Patriot interceptor missiles, seen as critical for defending against ballistic attacks.
During a recent meeting at Camp David, US President Donald Trump expressed caution about transferring such advanced technology, highlighting concerns that recipients could potentially turn against the US in the future.
Trump stated, "I don't think this would ever happen, but, you know, those people that you give that technology, they can someday turn on you." Talks on the matter are ongoing.
Zelensky also noted a positive follow-up phone call with US Vice-President JD Vance, emphasizing the priority of enhancing air defence amid Russia's continuing air assaults.
Ukraine's Retaliatory Actions
In response to the intensified Russian attacks, Ukraine has increased retaliatory strikes targeting logistics hubs and retail warehouses linked to Russian military supply chains, including those of Russia's largest online retailer, Wildberries.
