Russia launches massive ballistic missile attack on Ukraine; Kyiv main target

Russia unleashed one of its most powerful ballistic missile attacks on Ukraine overnight Saturday into Sunday, which Kyiv authorities described as the most extensive bombardment of its kind in more than four years of conflict. The Ukrainian capital was the main focus of the offensive, which also involved a large number of attack drones.

Ukraine's Air Force reported a "massive combined attack" utilizing kamikaze drones and various types of air-to-ground and ground-to-ground missiles. Ukrainian officials stated that Kyiv bore the brunt of the strikes. Journalists in the capital reported explosions throughout the night, and by Sunday morning, the city was enveloped in a strong smell of smoke, with air raid alerts still in effect.

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The enemy launched over 40 missiles of different types, most against the capital, as well as 120 attack drones.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia launched over 40 missiles of different types and approximately 120 attack drones, with the majority targeting the capital. The acting interim Foreign Minister, Andrii Sibiha, noted that the attack included "about four dozen ballistic missiles," which he believes represents the largest number of such projectiles used by Russia in a single operation since the invasion began.

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approximately four dozen ballistic missiles, about which he says represents the largest number of such projectiles used by Russia in a single operation since the beginning of the invasion.

Ukrainian Air Force systems reportedly destroyed or neutralized 126 aerial targets, including 18 missiles and 108 drones. Images from Kyiv showed large craters, severely damaged buildings, and scorched facades in several districts. The State Emergency Service announced that the strikes affected five districts of the capital, resulting in at least one fatality and 16 injuries.

In a separate incident during the Kyiv bombardment, a Russian drone struck a passenger train in the Zaporizhzhia region. Ukrainian Railways announced that an evacuation order issued in time prevented numerous casualties among passengers. The train conductor sustained minor injuries and is receiving medical attention. Passengers were evacuated by bus to Zaporizhzhia city.

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Protection against ballistic missiles is our absolute priority. We need interceptors daily and I am grateful to all partners who honor their commitments and deliver anti-missile capabilities.