At least 12 people have been killed and around 60 others injured after Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, early Monday, Ukrainian authorities said.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emergency rescue teams are continuing search operations at damaged residential buildings after several ballistic missiles struck populated areas.
Officials said all of the ballistic missiles launched during the attack reached their intended targets, highlighting ongoing concerns over Ukraine's air defence capabilities. Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly called for additional Patriot air defence systems and interceptor missiles, saying they are crucial for defending against ballistic missile attacks.
The latest bombardment came just days after another Russian strike on Kyiv killed 31 people, making it one of the deadliest attacks on the capital this year.
Russia's Defence Ministry said the attack was carried out in response to recent long-range Ukrainian strikes inside Russian territory, which Moscow claims targeted critical infrastructure and fuel supplies.
The renewed escalation comes as the war, now in its fourth year, continues to intensify. While Ukraine has expanded its long-range drone capabilities in recent months, analysts say Russia has increasingly focused on exploiting weaknesses in Ukraine's air defence network.
Military experts also note that global demand for Patriot interceptor missiles has increased significantly, placing additional pressure on supplies available to Ukraine.
