Vladimir Putin’s forces have launched a significant attack on a key Ukrainian government building, following previous deadly assaults that tragically resulted in the death of a two-month-old infant.
In a recent development, Russia carried out its most extensive aerial assault on Ukraine since the conflict began by deploying 805 drones and decoys, as reported by Yuriy Ihnat, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s Air Force. The attack comprised nine missile strikes and 56 drone attacks across 37 different locations, with debris from downed drones and missiles scattered over eight areas. Additionally, Russia fired 13 missiles of varying types during the assault.
Observations noted a plume of smoke emanating from the roof of Kyiv’s cabinet of ministers building, raising uncertainty over whether the smoke resulted from a direct hit or debris, potentially signaling an escalation in Russia’s air campaign. Notably, Russia had previously refrained from targeting government structures in the city center.
The government building serves as the headquarters for Ukraine’s Cabinet and ministers’ offices. Following the attack, emergency services, including fire trucks and ambulances, hurried to the scene, with police securing the area.
Reports from Ukrainian officials confirmed two fatalities and at least 17 injuries due to the strike. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko expressed regret over the damage caused to the government building, emphasizing the irreplaceable loss of lives amidst the destruction.
Calling for decisive action, Svyrydenko urged the global community to respond to the devastation with concrete measures, emphasizing the necessity to intensify sanctions, particularly targeting Russian oil and gas.
Tragically, the casualties included a mother and her two-month-old infant, whose bodies were retrieved from the rubble by rescue teams, as confirmed by Tymur Tkachenko, the head of Kyiv’s city administration.
Furthermore, Russian drones reportedly struck a nine-story residential building in Kyiv’s Sviatoshynskyi district and a four-story residential building in Darnytskyi district, with Mayor Vitallii Klitschko stating that these were direct hits.
This recent attack marks the second large-scale Russian drone and missile assault on Kyiv within a fortnight, casting doubt on the prospects for peace negotiations as tensions escalate.