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At least 17 people have been killed and more than 40 others injured after Russia launched one of its deadliest missile attacks on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, in recent weeks, destroying major warehouses, logistics centres and civilian infrastructure in a night of widespread devastation.
According to Reuters, dozens of ballistic missiles rained down on Kyiv and the surrounding region in the early hours of Wednesday, triggering powerful explosions that lit up the night sky and left fires burning across several parts of the city.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the country once again paid a heavy price for its shortage of advanced air defence systems, insisting that more lives could have been saved if Ukraine had received additional missile interceptors from its allies.
While Ukraine's air force said it successfully intercepted nearly 90 per cent of the 115 drones launched by Russia, it failed to shoot down any of the 24 ballistic missiles and four Zircon cruise missiles fired during the assault.
The strikes reportedly destroyed warehouses belonging to major retailers, a railway station, a brewing company, construction materials depots and other logistics facilities, dealing another blow to Ukraine's economy, which has remained under constant pressure since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
Among the affected businesses was Epicentr, Ukraine's largest home improvement retailer, which said two of its key logistics hubs and a factory were wiped out within minutes. Leading online retailer Rozetka also confirmed that its facilities were hit, with co-founder Iryna Chechotkina describing the destruction as “devastation and pain.”
Russia's Defence Ministry said the attacks targeted logistics centres allegedly used to store dual-use goods and drone components. However, both Moscow and Kyiv continue to deny deliberately targeting civilians during the war.
Following the latest attack, Ukraine renewed its appeal for more Patriot missile interceptors, warning that delays in supplying advanced air defence systems are costing innocent lives.
Source: Reuters
