A Russian missile attack in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, has resulted in the deaths of four people, with several others left wounded. The tragic strike occurred on the 18th of January, 2025, and has been widely condemned by Ukrainian officials.
Kyiv, which is frequently targeted by Russian missiles and drones, is usually well-protected by its air defense systems. However, this attack has left the capital shaken, as the city’s defense system was not able to intercept all threats.
The attack occurred in the central Shevchenkivsky district of Kyiv, an area known for its mix of residential and industrial buildings. Tymur Tkachenko, the head of Kyiv’s military administration, confirmed the casualties, stating, “We already have four dead in Shevchenkivsky district” in a Telegram post.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga referred to the attack as “heinous,” and reaffirmed that it was yet another example of Russian aggression.
“Yet another proof that Putin wants war, not peace,” Sybiga remarked in a post on social media. He further stressed the need for “maximum economic and military pressure” to force Russia into accepting a just peace.
The Ukrainian air force confirmed that two Iskander ballistic missiles and 24 Russian attack drones were successfully intercepted overnight. However, the missiles that were not shot down caused significant damage in the city.
The missiles fell on the Shevchenkivsky district, destroying an industrial building, damaging the subway system, and affecting several residential properties. Local water supplies were also temporarily disrupted as a result of the blast.
The city of Kyiv has witnessed an uptick in Russian attacks in recent months, although this is one of the few cases where casualties were reported in the capital. Many of Kyiv’s air defense systems had been activated overnight, as reported by the city’s mayor.
The Ukrainian capital also saw flooding on the streets near the site of the attack, with damaged buildings including a bombed-out McDonald’s outlet, as reported by an AFP reporter on the ground.
In a separate attack, Russian forces targeted the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, where at least ten people were injured, including one person in serious condition. The regional governor, Ivan Fedorov, described the attack as “cynical,” saying Russia targeted the center of the city “while everyone was sleeping.” Zaporizhzhia has been under regular Russian bombardment in recent months, and this latest strike adds to the growing devastation in the region.
