Russian strike on Ukraine hits hospital, schools; 13 reported dead
By Ajekigbe Mercy
Russian forces launched ballistic missile strikes, killing at least 13 people and wounding 40 in Ukraine, according to officials.
The attack was mainly carried out in Kyiv and other regions, including the Odesa and Chernihiv regions early Thursday. Numerous explosions were reported in several parts of Kyiv just after midnight local time. Several residential buildings, as well as a children’s hospital and a school were targeted and destroyed, following the attacks in the capital Kyiv.
President Zelenskyy also reported the destruction of infrastructure in the Odesa and Chernihiv region.
“It was a massive attack – the Russians had been preparing for a long time, combining different types of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, aiming to cause as much damage as possible to civilian infrastructure.”
The Ukraine Defense force, on their official telegram channel, said Russia launched 44 cruise missiles, two Banderol missiles, and 168 shahed-type drones during the attack. The force had successfully intercepted 39 of the 44 cruise missiles, both Banderols and 145 drones, according to the report.
28 locations were reportedly hit by the attacks in the capital.
This attack in the capital came amidst Ukraine’s shortage of interceptor missiles for the Patriot defense system, the only system that can intercept ballistic missiles. Russia has since taken advantage of this situation by increasing the number of attacks launched on the capital in recent weeks.
President Zelensky addressed this issue on his X handle, calling for aid to successfully replace these interceptors to reduce the number of casualties from Russia’s attacks.
“And as long as Ukraine does not have enough anti-ballistic defense, Russia will not consider peace seriously. We are doing everything to ensure we have that protection, and work on the FREYJA program continues every day. But Patriot interceptors cannot yet be replaced, and we need them every day. Every additional missile saves the lives of our people. I thank everyone who understands this and is looking for and finding ways to help”
