Russia-Ukraine conflict: Kyiv districts bombarded by Russian missiles

Despite failing to capture Ukraine’s capital Kyiv in the ongoing war, Russian forces launched a new offensive several weeks prior from the eastern region. Ukraine said that Moscow has now attempted to launch attacks at the capital, hitting two cities.

Over the weekend, Russian cruise missiles were launched from the Caspian Sea Sunday, striking a repair facility in Kyiv, marking the first attack on the capital in weeks, according to the Ukrainian army and railway chief.

Mayor Vitali Klitschko said at least one person was hospitalized from the attack, but there have been no fatalities so far.

Ukrainian defenses shot down one Russian missile, according to the country’s military.

Ukrainian state-run nuclear power operator Energoatom said on the Telegram messaging platform that a Russian missile that was believed to be targeting Kyiv flew “critically low” over a major nuclear power plant in the southern region of Mykolaiv.

Oleksandr Kamyshin, the chief of the Ukrainian railway, confirmed four missiles crashed into the Darnytsia rail car repair facility in eastern Kyiv. Kamyshin noted that no military hardware was at the site when it was bombarded.

“Their target is the economy and the civilian population,” said Kamyshin. Moscow has denied targeting civilians despite the number of casualties suggesting otherwise.

Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak then called on the West to strengthen sanctions against Russia as punishment for the continuing strikes on Ukraine, as well as supply Ukraine with more weapons.

“The Kremlin resorts to new insidious attacks. Today’s missile strikes at Kyiv have only one goal – kill as many as possible,” tweeted Podolyak.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he visited two cities close to one of the most active frontlines of the war, as a regional official said the situation is worsening for the Ukrainian side. Zelenskyy said he traveled to Lysychansk, which is south of Severodonetsk, as well as Soledar.

This marks a rare outing for the Ukrainian leader since the onset of Russia’s invasion back in February.

“What you all deserve is victory – that is the most important thing. But not at any cost,” said Zelenskyy in a video message to Ukrainian troops Sunday night.