KYIV: Kyiv endured one of its deadliest missile attacks in recent weeks after Russia launched dozens of ballistic missiles and drones at the Ukrainian capital and surrounding region overnight, killing at least 17 people and injuring more than 40, Ukrainian officials said. The strikes destroyed warehouses, logistics centres and commercial facilities as Russia intensified its long-range air campaign against Ukraine.

Explosions echoed across the capital throughout the night, while large fires illuminated the skyline. Ukrainian authorities said emergency crews continued search and rescue operations as they assessed widespread damage to civilian infrastructure.

Ballistic Missiles Breach Air Defences

More than 100 words into the assault, Kyiv faced another major challenge after Ukraine’s air force said it failed to intercept any of the 24 ballistic missiles and four Zircon cruise missiles launched by Russia.

Officials said Ukrainian air defences successfully shot down nearly 90% of the 115 drones involved in the attack, but the country’s shortage of Patriot interceptor missiles left ballistic threats largely unchecked.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said additional missile defence systems could have prevented civilian casualties.

“Ballistic missile interceptors could have saved the lives of those killed today,” Zelensky said, urging international partners to accelerate deliveries of advanced air defence systems.

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Retail Warehouses and Logistics Centres Destroyed

Ukrainian officials said the strikes heavily damaged warehouses, logistics facilities and transport infrastructure.

Home improvement retailer Epicentr reported that two of its major logistics centres and a manufacturing facility were destroyed within minutes during the attack.

Leading online retailer Rozetka also confirmed that three ballistic missile strikes devastated one of its logistics facilities.

Ukraine’s government said the attacks targeted the country’s supply chains and commercial infrastructure at a time when businesses are already operating under wartime conditions.

Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi announced plans to hold an emergency meeting with business leaders to coordinate measures aimed at protecting logistics and trade operations.

Russia Claims Military Targets

Russia’s Defence Ministry said its forces struck seven logistics centres in Kyiv and the surrounding region, alleging the facilities stored dual-use goods and drone-related equipment.

Both Russia and Ukraine continue to deny deliberately targeting civilians during the conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces reportedly carried out overnight strikes on a logistics hub linked to Russian online retailer Wildberries as Kyiv continued attacks on supply infrastructure inside Russia.

Ukraine Presses for More Patriot Systems

Ukraine has repeatedly warned that its limited stockpile of Patriot interceptor missiles has weakened its ability to defend against Russian ballistic missile attacks.

Officials said Kyiv is seeking additional PAC-3 Patriot interceptors, one of the few systems capable of destroying high-speed ballistic missiles before impact.

Reports also indicate that discussions are continuing over possible cooperation to manufacture Patriot missiles for Ukraine, although no final agreement has been announced.