At least 15 killed in Kyiv amid air defence shortages
At least 15 people died in Kyiv following a wave of Russian airstrikes as Ukraine struggles with a shortage of air defence missiles.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- At least 15 people were killed in the latest Russian airstrikes targeting Kyiv.
- Apartment blocks, warehouses, a children's hospital, and a school suffered structural damage.
- President Volodymyr Zelensky attributed the deaths to a critical shortage of air defence missiles.
- Kyiv continues to urge Western allies to supply more anti-missile systems and ammunition.
A fresh barrage of Russian airstrikes struck the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv starting around midnight local time, leaving at least 15 people dead. The deadly onslaught unfolded as Ukraine continues to battle an escalating shortage of air defence missiles, which are heavily relied upon to protect civilian infrastructure. Overnight strikes hit apartment complexes and warehouses across the city, while damaging a children's educational facility and a local school.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, inspecting the heavy damage in the Solomianskyi district, told the BBC that Ukraine urgently requires ammunition, anti-missile systems, and greater support from its international partners. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky echoed these concerns on Telegram, stating that Russia will not seriously consider peace until Ukraine possesses sufficient anti-ballistic defence capabilities.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
According to updates from the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia deployed 168 drones and 44 missiles during the assault, primarily targeting Kyiv. While air defences intercepted 146 drones and 39 cruise missiles, the lack of Patriot interceptors meant ballistic missiles bypassed defences, cutting power to thousands of properties. Friday was subsequently declared a day of mourning for those who lost their lives in the overnight attacks.
The supply bottleneck for Patriot interceptor missiles stems from heavy usage by the United States during Middle East conflicts, restricting inventory available for export. This technological and logistical gap leaves Ukrainian cities increasingly vulnerable to infrastructural targeting as military analysts warn of harsh conditions ahead of winter.
"Ammunition, anti-missile systems - we need support from our partners."
Vitali Klitschko, Mayor of Kyiv
Valeria Bondaruk, who had previously relocated to Kyiv from southern Ukraine to escape bombing, found herself displaced once again when her building was impacted. She told the BBC she fears for her 13-year-old daughter's future and is considering leaving the country. Meanwhile, the Russian defence ministry stated that the strikes utilized air, land, and sea-based weaponry targeting military facilities and storage depots.
Source: BBC World
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