Overnight, Kyiv was hit by a shocking new level of violence as Russia perpetrated a large scale assault on the city. Tragically, this assault resulted in the deaths of at least 15 civilians, including four children aged 2, 14, and 17. The assault left at least ten other children injured. It left major structural damage in its wake, as residential buildings, kindergartens and critical infrastructure were directly hit across the capital.
The air raid alert in Kyiv that day lasted over nine hours, and for most of that time, city residents were being warned to take cover. According to media reports the bombing has led to unprecedented destruction, targeting high-rise residential buildings, private residences, office buildings, and transport infrastructure. Hundreds of windows were blown out and thousands of cars were left dented, shattered, and totaled in the wake.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reacted with indignation, saying the assault shows that Russia wants to “terrorize Ukraine.” She continued that while these actions specifically attack civilians, they attack the European community as a whole.
“It shows that the Kremlin will stop at nothing to terrorize Ukraine, blindly killing civilians, men, women and children, and even targeting the European Union.” – Ursula von der Leyen
In response to the recent violence, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the assault as a “horrific and deliberate killing of civilians.” President Biden underlined that Russia’s decision to breach international law in preference of aggression “proves” that it doesn’t care about the rules.
“Russia chooses ballistics instead of the negotiating table.” – Volodymyr Zelensky
Zelensky went on to say that Russia needs to feel the pressure of punishment for its deeds. As the situation escalates, a delegation from Ukraine is scheduled to meet with U.S. officials in New York on Friday to discuss ongoing support amid the crisis.
The Russian ministry of defense has claimed responsibility for the strikes. They said that they were hitting military-industrial complexes and air bases in Ukraine with “high-precision weapons.” At the same time, Russian forces continue to increase the intensity of fighting in the region, having occupied the villages of Zaporizke and Novoheorhiivka, according to reports.
The European Union has made moves to isolate Russia, with plans announced yesterday to expel Russia’s envoy in Brussels. Like to see them respond to the latest attacks on Kyiv. The EU is heavily invested in maintaining the pressure on Russia. To disincentivize any escalation of hostilities, the administration aims to strengthen its sanctions regime.
“These Russian missiles and attack drones today are a clear response to everyone in the world who, for weeks and months, has been calling for a ceasefire and for real diplomacy.” – [Source not specified]
The impact of the attack has been extensive, with many residents now traumatized. Local resident Vitaliy Protsiuk shared the intense experience he had while under fire, illustrating the devastation caused from the attacks.
“I was buried. When I came out, everything was covered in dust and smoke. I looked up – the roof was gone, and the floors from the fourth to the first were completely destroyed.” – Vitaliy Protsiuk
As Kyiv mourns this latest humanitarian tragedy, its officials have had to repeat their calls for greater international unity against Russia’s ongoing aggression. The stakes couldn’t be higher. We are on the forefront of delivering humanitarian assistance to those impacted by the violence and addressing overall security needs throughout Ukraine.
