Kyiv Faces Another Devastating Dawn: Russia’s Missile Barrage
In the early hours of Monday, the tranquility of Kyiv was shattered by a series of loud explosions as Russia unleashed a fresh wave of missile attacks on Ukraine’s capital. The assault led to widespread fires, damage to homes and infrastructure, and a renewed sense of urgency among the city’s residents.
A City Awoken by Explosions and Air Defense
Kyiv’s residents were abruptly awoken by the rapid succession of blasts, followed by the unmistakable sound of air defense missiles launching to intercept the incoming threats. According to Ukraine’s Air Force, they managed to destroy 22 out of the 35 missiles and 20 out of 23 attack drones. The missiles deployed by Russia were of various types, including cruise and ballistic.
Air Raid Sirens and the Fight to Secure the Skies
As the missile strikes began, air raid alerts blared across Ukraine, lasting nearly two hours. The all-clear was finally given by the air force at 6:30 a.m. local time. During this period, neighboring Poland, a NATO member, activated its aircraft alongside allied forces to ensure the safety of its airspace.
A Somber Start to the School Year
This latest attack is part of a broader campaign that has escalated over the past week, with Russia conducting its largest air offensive on Ukraine since the full-scale war began in early 2022. The timing of Monday’s attack was particularly heartbreaking, as it coincided with the start of the new school year—a day traditionally celebrated by Ukrainian families with children carrying bouquets of flowers to class.
Damage Across the City: From Water Plants to Metro Stations
In Kyiv, the impact of the strikes was felt in various districts. A boiler house at a water plant and the entrance to a metro station—doubling as a bomb shelter—were partially damaged in the Svyatoshynskyi district. Despite the damage, the metro station remained operational. This district is known for its concentration of universities and schools, making the attack all the more significant.
Injuries and Fires: The Human Cost
The city’s military authorities reported that three people were injured in the attack, with two requiring hospitalization. Fires broke out across the city, with cars set ablaze and a non-residential building in the Shevchenkivskyi district also suffering damage. Emergency services responded swiftly to various locations, including the Svyatoshynskyi, Solomyanskyi, and Holosiivskyi districts, where debris from destroyed missiles posed further risks.
A Mother’s Account: Fear in the Marketplace
Amidst the chaos, Kateryna, a 34-year-old mother, had ventured to the market in Svyatoshyno to buy flowers for her child’s first day of school. She recounted how some of the florists, who had arrived as early as 5 a.m., were forced to drop everything and take cover when the attack began.
Cultural Impact: An Islamic Center Damaged
The attack also took a toll on cultural and religious institutions. An Islamic center was reportedly badly damaged, as noted by Crimean Tatar leader Refat Chubarov on Telegram.
The Sound of Defense: Explosions Heard Across Kyiv
Reuters journalists on the ground in Kyiv reported hearing a series of loud explosions, likely the sound of air defense units in action. This latest attack follows a similar barrage just a week earlier, when Russia launched over 200 missiles and drones at Ukraine, killing seven people and striking energy facilities nationwide—a move Kyiv described as the war’s “most massive” attack to date.
Russia’s Denial of Targeting Civilians
As the conflict drags on into its 30th month, Russia continues to deny allegations of targeting civilians. However, the destruction and loss felt by the people of Kyiv paint a different picture, one of a city under constant threat and struggling to maintain a semblance of normalcy amid the chaos.