Russia Launches Deadly Missile Attacks on Ukraine’s Biggest Cities
In a devastating turn of events, Russia has launched a series of deadly missile attacks on Ukraine’s biggest cities, resulting in the loss of lives and widespread destruction. At least 18 people have been killed, and over 130 others have been injured as a result of these attacks. The scale of the destruction is immense, with more than 200 sites being hit, including 139 homes. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the nation in a somber evening speech, expressing his grief and promising a strong response.
President Zelenskyy revealed that Russia had launched approximately 40 missiles of varying types, targeting major cities such as Kharkiv, Kyiv, and central Ukraine. The northeastern city of Kharkiv experienced three waves of attacks, causing significant damage to over 100 high-rise apartment blocks. The city’s mayor, Ihor Terekhov, expressed his concern for those trapped in the rubble, with temperatures dropping to -7 degrees Celsius.
Oleksandra Terekhovich, a resident of Kharkiv, shared her harrowing experience of the attacks. She recounted how she ran into the corridor of her home upon hearing the first explosion, only to witness the building next door being hit by the second blast. The impact shattered her windows and door, leaving her in a state of shock. She expressed the collective trauma that Ukrainians have been enduring for the past two years, living in constant fear and horror.
The capital city of Kyiv also faced extensive destruction, with emergency services reporting damage across four districts. Residents were left dazed and injured, while workers cleared away debris and broken glass. Daniel Boliukh, a 21-year-old resident, described the chaos and panic that ensued after the loud bangs and the sight of buildings engulfed in flames. Medical and educational institutions, as well as apartment buildings, were among the structures damaged in Kyiv.
The attacks were not limited to the major cities, as the industrial city of Pavlohrad in the eastern Dnipro region also came under fire. One person lost their life, and two schools and eight high-rise buildings were damaged. The Ukrainian armed forces responded to the attacks, successfully destroying 22 of the missiles and intercepting nearly 20 over Kyiv.
Analysts believe that Russia had been stockpiling missiles in preparation for this campaign, aiming to test Ukraine’s air defenses and exploit any weaknesses. The recent attacks mark a concerning reversal of a trend observed last year, where civilian casualties from Kremlin attacks had decreased. The United Nations has reported that over 10,000 civilians have been killed and nearly 20,000 injured since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
The Russian defense ministry has denied intentionally targeting civilians in these bombardments. Instead, they claim that the raids were aimed at companies involved in the production of missiles, explosives, and ammunition. However, the scale of destruction and loss of innocent lives raises serious questions about the true intentions behind these attacks.
As Ukraine mourns the loss of lives and struggles to recover from the widespread destruction, President Zelenskyy’s promise of a strong response echoes throughout the nation. The Russian war has left a lasting impact on Ukraine, and it is clear that the people will not rest until justice is served and peace is restored. The world watches with bated breath as this conflict unfolds, hoping for a resolution that will bring an end to the suffering endured by the Ukrainian people.
