Massive Russian missile strikes on Kyiv kill 1, injure 11, hit shopping center

Debris surrounds a crater after the impact of a Russian rocket. Source: Efrem Lukatsky/AP/dpa

Russia has once again targeted Kyiv. Attacks on the Ukrainian capital led to fires in several districts. The explosions were so strong that they triggered the alarms of parked cars and could be heard in air raid shelters.

One day after Ukrainian attacks on Russia left eight dead, the Russian army struck several targets in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, including residential buildings, according to authorities. The military administration reported one person killed during the night leading into Sunday. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to protests against the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and hinted at changes in the army leadership.

Casualties and Damage

Ukrainian authorities gave differing accounts of the casualties from the latest attacks on Kyiv:

• Military administration (preliminary information): 1 dead, 11 injured
• Mayor Vitali Klitschko: 7 injured; initially did not mention any fatalities
• Civil protection agency: 2 injured

One detonation was so powerful that it activated the alarms of parked cars in the city center, as reported by an AFP reporter. The explosions were also audible in air raid shelters. Shortly before, the Ukrainian air force had warned of ballistic missiles approaching Kyiv.

Smoke rises over the city. Source: AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky

Districts Affected

According to Mayor Klitschko and the authorities, the attacks sparked fires and damaged buildings in several districts:

• Shevchenkivskyi district: A residential building was hit
• Dniprovskyi district: A shopping center with recreational facilities was struck
• Desnianskyi district: Burning vehicles and smoke near a shopping center
• Sviatoshynskyi district: Fire broke out in a residential building
• Solomianskyi district: Fire in a supermarket; a residential building was also hit

Broader Context

Russia has been subjecting Ukraine to almost daily missile and drone attacks for more than four years. The Ukrainian army has recently significantly intensified its drone attacks on Russia. According to authorities, attacks on two logistics centers in Russia early Saturday killed a total of eight people.

Protests for Fedorov Occupy Zelenskyy

Regarding the ongoing protests against the dismissal of Defense Minister Fedorov, President Zelenskyy said: "Of course, I hear what the people are saying." He had spoken with both Fedorov and Army Chief Oleksandr Syrsky. "Decisions regarding the army are being worked out," he added. Ukrainian media speculated about a possible dismissal of the army chief.

The popular Defense Minister Fedorov resigned on Wednesday as part of a government reshuffle. On Saturday, numerous demonstrators gathered in Kyiv for the third consecutive day to protest Fedorov's dismissal. At the same time, they demanded Syrsky's resignation. In his first reaction to the protests, Fedorov thanked the demonstrators. "I believe everything will turn out for the best," he stated.

Numerous people came to the demonstration. Source: Mykola Tys/AP/dpa