Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to the overnight ballistic strike on Kyiv, saying the missiles hit crowded areas and that there are no military facilities nearby. Further strikes may also follow.
The head of state wrote that ballistic missiles struck the grounds of one of the capital’s universities and the area next to it — effectively the campus — as well as Kyoto Park, an area near a metro station and residential buildings.
The exact number of casualties is currently unknown, but Zelenskyy said there are dead and wounded. Rescue operations are ongoing. There is extensive damage, and there are reports that people may be trapped under the rubble. All services are on site and carrying out their work.
“The missiles hit very crowded places, and there are no military facilities nearby. This is a strike simply on the city, on infrastructure. Unfortunately, further strikes may follow. A Shahed drone attack is also under way, both against Kyiv and against our other cities and communities,” the president said.
He noted that in such conditions, when there is a constant threat of strikes, artificial delays in providing air defence to Ukraine help terror.
“It is important that political agreements are implemented promptly at the command level. It is important that partners understand that Ukraine needs the proper tools to destroy the launchers used for Russian ballistic missiles. That would be the most effective way to save lives. It is important that the world sees that Russia is showing nothing but a desire to kill and to keep fighting. Ukraine must not be left alone with this, and it is solely Russia’s fault that the war is still going on and people are still dying. Please take care of yourselves. All partners should stand with Ukraine, with the protection of life,” Zelenskyy added.