The Ukrainian capital endured a harrowing night as a wave of Russian missiles and drones struck the region, leaving destruction in their wake. Oleksandr Berdychevskyi, 38, described the pandemonium that broke out as blasts shook the capital city in the early hours. His own apartment was one of those entirely destroyed by an errant drone strike, leading to a personal loss that hits very close to home.
As the clock approached 11 p.m. local time this past Sunday, Kyiv’s air raid warning system went off. It blared through neighborhoods, alerting residents of a dangerous storm headed their way. For eight hours that day, residents honed in on and prepared for the specific damage it would do. Shared by the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia’s count so far during this period is 450 missiles and drones! This brutal assault led to at least one death and six injuries.
The aftermath of this attack would have irreparable consequences for Berdychevskyi and his family. As his mother, Liliya Berdichevska, dug through the ashen wreckage of their house, her cheeks glistening with tears, her grief was palpable.
“There were three explosions. I was in bed when I heard the fourth. The door blew open and shards of glass landed on me,” – Oleksandr Berdychevskyi.
The shocking attack was only the latest in a growing pattern of attacks by Russia. As we noted in this post, earlier this month, the Kremlin had released a shocking 728 attack and decoy drones. They launched 13 missiles at infrastructure targets around Ukraine. This recent wave of overnight strikes has further increased the targeting of cities far from the frontline by Russian forces. This escalation is increasing terror among the citizens of Ukraine.
“They are monsters. Just monsters. How lucky that my granddaughter wasn’t home and that my son is alive,” – Liliya Berdichevska.
Berdychevskyi lamented the loss of everything he owned in the fire. This fire wiped out all the important paperwork as well as his emergency stash of cash, leaving him hopeless. He is now looking toward an uncertain future, with just 2,000 hryvnias (about $50) in his pocket.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in fact urged for talks with Russia to be resumed earlier this week. His goal would be to move ceasefire negotiations forward, which have been deadlocked since their last round in Istanbul in early June. That session unfortunately ended with just over an hour on the clock, and almost zero advance made toward resolution of this long-running war.
Recent attacks have included national cruise and ballistic alternatives, including the widely executed Kinzhal missiles. Graphic of one such Kinzhal missiles, famous for their unparalleled difficulty in interception. Advanced munitions confirmed by Ukraine’s Air Force to bypass its most sophisticated defense systems are a significant threat.
Aside from the destruction caused in Kyiv, long-range drone strikes played a large role in major disruptions at key airports within Moscow. Thousands of passengers soon experienced frustration as their flights were delayed or canceled. During the attacks, many had to sleep on the floor due to increased security measures.
“Russian strikes are always an assault on humanity – in Kyiv, a kindergarten caught fire, along with residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure.” – Volodymyr Zelensky.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin claimed that military personnel shot down 49 drones from Friday night until Monday morning. Despite this success, the threat is still very real for both Ukraine and Russia.
Citybuilders from Kyiv such as Kateryna shared their hopes and trepidations during this historic, tumultuous and hopeful period.
She reflected on the chaos that ensued but noted a sense of resilience among her neighbors:
As Ukraine comes to terms with this new wave of aggression, the call for diplomatic solutions grows ever louder. Now, war casts a shadow over millions, provoking daily fear and insecurity. Each day—for generations—their resilience has thrived in the face of despair withstanding the harshness of this dismal truth.
“It was very scary when the attack happened,” – Kateryna.
She reflected on the chaos that ensued but noted a sense of resilience among her neighbors:
“There was lots of smoke and dust, we all got very scared. There was a little panic but, because life has taught us how to behave, we’ve all gotten used to it. We cared for each other and for the animals too,” – Kateryna.
As Ukraine grapples with this latest surge of violence, the need for diplomatic solutions becomes increasingly urgent. The specter of war continues to cast a shadow over daily life for millions, as they navigate the uncertainty and danger that accompany each new day.
