Russia bombards Kyiv with missiles and drones, killing 21 in retaliation for Ukrainian oil facility strikes

Russia unleashed an extensive overnight drone and missile assault on Kyiv, resulting in at least 21 civilian deaths and numerous injuries. The attack, which lasted for 11 hours into Thursday morning, was described by Moscow as a direct response to recent Ukrainian strikes targeting Russian oil facilities. These Ukrainian attacks have reportedly caused significant fuel shortages and intensified economic pressure on President Vladimir Putin's administration.

Explosions rocked the Ukrainian capital, forcing over 50,000 residents to seek shelter in subway stations as air raid warnings were issued. Emergency crews worked tirelessly amidst the rubble of collapsed and damaged apartment buildings, searching for survivors. Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed the bombardment was in retaliation for Ukraine's sustained long-range strikes, which have specifically targeted oil refineries, creating a fuel crisis that exacerbates the war's economic impact on Russians.

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We were inside the shelter and felt the shelter shaki

Analysts and Western officials note that Ukraine's technological advancements in drone engineering have provided an edge in recent months. These strikes on Russian supply routes behind the front lines have reportedly slowed the Russian army's advance and made its progress costly. Ukraine's efforts to disrupt supplies to Crimea, in particular, have led to the worst fuel crisis on the Black Sea peninsula since its 2014 annexation by Russia, challenging Moscow's narrative of a successful war effort. Despite diplomatic efforts, Russia's response has primarily been retaliatory military action.

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it was a 'night of horror' in Kyiv