Massive Russian Ballistic Missile Attack Hits Kyiv, Killing One

Russia launched one of its largest ballistic missile attacks on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, overnight, killing at least one person and wounding 16 others, local authorities reported. Around two dozen missiles struck the city, hitting six districts, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Witnesses described scenes of destruction: charred apartment buildings with shattered windows, twisted debris, and overturned cars scattered across the streets. Emergency crews worked through the night to rescue people from damaged buildings and clear the wreckage. The attack marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Kyiv has faced repeated aerial assaults, but this barrage was notably large. Ukraine's air defense systems intercepted some of the missiles, but many reached their targets. The strike comes amid continued Western military aid to Ukraine, including air defense systems. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly called for more advanced防空 systems to counter such attacks. The United Nations condemned the assault, reiterating that targeting civilian infrastructure violates international law. Rescue operations are ongoing, and authorities are assessing the full extent of the damage.