Russian Forces Launch Missile Attack on Ukraine’s Capital amid Growing Tensions

Russian forces launched a devastating attack on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, early Saturday morning, firing more than 20 missiles that left at least three people dead. This marks the eighth attack on the city this month, causing anxiety to grow in Russia over a confrontation between President Vladimir V. Putin and Yevgeny V. Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner mercenary group.

The military leadership in Moscow has accused Prigozhin of attempting to mount a coup against Putin, further escalating tensions between the two figures. As a result, Kyiv has become the battleground for this power struggle, with innocent civilians paying the price.

Serhiy Popko, the head of the Kyiv military administration, reported that air defenses successfully shot down more than 20 missiles around the capital. However, falling debris struck a high-rise building, sparking a blaze that destroyed three floors. Rescue efforts are currently underway, with Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, expressing concerns that there may still be people trapped under the rubble.

At the scene, smoke continued to rise from the damaged building as firefighters assessed the extent of the damage. Residents cautiously navigated through broken glass and building fragments scattered in the parking lot below. Two women, visibly injured, emerged from the building, one wrapped in a blanket and the other wearing only a robe.

The attack occurred in the early hours of the morning, jolting Kyiv residents awake as air-raid sirens blared. Mr. Klitschko reported explosions, while other officials assured the public that air defenses were functioning and urged them to seek shelter.

Survivors, such as Volodymyr and Iryna Kuts, recounted their harrowing experience. The couple, awakened by a crash on the 19th floor, found their windows blown out and smoke filling their apartment. They clung to each other, fearing suffocation, until police officers helped them navigate the stairs to safety.

Outside the damaged building, dozens of residents gathered, their attention drawn to the charred and gaping hole in its side. Dymytro Romanov, a resident of a neighboring high-rise, expressed his relief that his building remained unscathed, emphasizing the element of chance in such attacks.

Emergency workers continued to evacuate the wounded, including an older couple, a woman on a stretcher, and a man covered in dust and debris. Heart-wrenchingly, a woman arrived at the scene in search of her son, who lived on the 18th floor. However, a firefighter confirmed that there was nothing left on that floor.

As the morning progressed, the wail of an air-raid siren pierced the air once again, prompting residents to seek refuge in underground shelters.

The situation in Kyiv remains tense, with the city repeatedly targeted in the ongoing power struggle between Putin and Prigozhin. The international community watches with growing concern as innocent lives are caught in the crossfire of this confrontation.

Cassandra Vinograd contributed to this report.

Megan Specia is a correspondent on the International Desk in London, covering the United Kingdom and Ireland. She has been with The Times since 2016. @meganspecia

How did emergency responders support Ged and other survivors in the aftermath of the attack?

Ged from the wreckage, supported by emergency responders.

The frequency and intensity of attacks on Kyiv have caused anxiety to escalate within Russia. Many fear that the ongoing confrontation between Putin and Prigozhin could escalate further, leading to more devastating attacks. The situation has turned Kyiv into a battlefield, with innocent civilians bearing the brunt of this power struggle.

Moscow’s military leadership has accused Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner mercenary group, of attempting to overthrow Putin. This accusation has further heightened tensions between the two figures. As a result, Kyiv has become the focal point of their power struggle.

Despite the successful interception of more than 20 missiles by air defenses, the city was not spared from destruction. Falling debris caused a fire that tore through a high-rise building, consuming three floors. Rescue operations are currently underway, as there are concerns that people may still be trapped under the rubble.

At the scene, the damaged building continued to emit smoke as firefighters worked to assess the extent of the damage. Residents cautiously made their way through the wreckage, navigating broken glass and debris that littered the parking lot below. The impact of the attack left two visibly injured women who were promptly assisted by emergency responders.