Ukraine: Putin's Revenge, a Rain of Missiles and Drones on Kyiv

Kyiv awoke Sunday to widespread destruction and a lingering smell of smoke after a massive Russian assault rained missiles and drones across the capital and other Ukrainian regions. Residential buildings, offices, shops, and even the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry and Maidan Square sustained damage. Firefighters worked to extinguish flames in numerous damaged buildings, while rescuers evacuated the injured from the rubble.

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The massive attack launched by Russia against Ukraine last night demonstrates the brutality of the Kremlin and its contempt for both human life and peace negotiations. Terror against civilians is not a sign of strength. It is a sign of desperation. We stand firmly with Ukraine.

The large-scale attack, described as Russian President Vladimir Putin's promised revenge for a Ukrainian raid that killed 18 people in occupied Lugansk, involved an estimated 90 missiles and 600 drones. This barrage, lasting several hours, resulted in at least four deaths and over 80 injuries in Kyiv and other areas. It marks one of the most intense bombardments since the war began, notably including the use of the Oreshnik hypersonic missile for the third time.

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Russia, finding itself in a dead end on the battlefield, is terrorizing Ukraine with attacks targeting urban centers.

European leaders swiftly condemned the assault. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the attack "brutal" and a sign of "desperation," reaffirming the EU's support for Ukraine and announcing further aid for its defense systems. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas echoed this sentiment, stating that Russia's actions indicate a battlefield stalemate and a deliberate terrorization of urban centers. The EU foreign ministers are set to discuss increasing international pressure on Moscow next week.

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This is a political intimidation tactic and a reckless gamble on the nuclear razor's edge.