Russia pounds Ukraine in new air attack, killing 9, including children

Russia unleashed a massive overnight air assault on Ukraine on Thursday, firing more than 70 missiles and approximately 280 drones. The attacks claimed nine lives, including children, and caused widespread destruction, particularly in the capital, Kyiv, and the western region of Lviv, near Poland's border. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the delays in air defense missile supplies from allies, asserting that these delays are directly contributing to the casualties.

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Protecting against the Russian missile threat is the most important task for preserving the lives of our people.

"Protecting against the Russian missile threat is the most important task for preserving the lives of our people," Zelenskyy stated, sharing images of damaged homes and rescue efforts. He emphasized that allies are aware of how they can assist and that untimely assistance and delayed deliveries of anti-ballistic missiles result in the devastating destruction and loss of life witnessed. Zelenskyy credited the "extraordinary expertise" of Ukrainian air defense units for preventing even greater loss of life.

Russia's defense ministry claimed its forces targeted military facilities across Ukraine, including sites in Kyiv, Lviv, and Dnipropetrovsk, as well as three cargo ships. Ukraine's air force reported intercepting 55 missiles and 265 drones but managed to stop only one of nine ballistic missiles. Eleven missiles and 17 drones successfully hit targets in 20 locations. The US-made Patriot air defense system is crucial for downing Russia's ballistic missiles, but these systems are in short global supply.

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Our allies know how they can help. Untimely assistance and delays in the supply of anti-ballistic missiles result in the kind of destruction and casualties we are witnessing today.

A day of mourning was declared for Friday in a village in the Dnipropetrovsk region, where six people, including three children, died in a missile strike that regional officials said almost completely obliterated a house. Zelenskyy noted that five children were missing from the site. Forensic examinations are underway to identify human remains found under the rubble. Reports suggest the strike may have involved a powerful North Korean ballistic missile, marking a potential escalation in Russia's use of such weapons from its ally. Additional casualties were reported in Kyiv, Lviv, and Poltava.

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Only the "extraordinary expertise" of Ukrainian air defence units had prevented more deaths.