Russian forces have launched multiple ballistic and cruise missiles against Ukrainian targets, with explosions felt and heard across the capital, Kyiv
KYIV, Ukraine — Russian forces launched multiple ballistic and cruise missiles against Ukrainian targets on Monday, Ukraine’s air force said, with explosions felt and heard across the capital, Kyiv.
The daylight attack included Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, one of the most advanced Russian weapons, the air force said. The Kinzhal flies at 10 times the speed of sound, making it hard to intercept. City buildings shook from the blasts.
The Kyiv city administration reported falling debris, presumably from intercepted missiles, in the Solomianskyi, Dniprovskyi, Holosiivskyi and Shevchenkivskyi districts of Kyiv, starting fires. Thick plumes of smoke rose from several Kyiv neighborhoods.
The head of Ukraine’s presidential office, Andrii Yermal, said the attack occurred at a time when many people were in the city’s streets.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said at least three people were injured and that official assessments of the attack’s consequences were still being carried out. Ambulances were heading to the Solomianskyi district, he said, adding that a children’s medical facility was hit.
The attack came on the eve of a three-day NATO summit in Washington, which will look at how to reassure Ukraine of the alliance’s unwavering support and offer Ukrainians hope that their country can come through Europe’s biggest conflict since World War II.
Explosions were also reported by local officials in Ukraine’s central Dnipropetrovsk region.
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In a bold and aggressive move, Russia has deployed hypersonic missiles in an offensive strike on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, raising concerns about the potential for further violence and instability in the region.
Hypersonic missiles are a new generation of weapons that travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5, making them extremely difficult to defend against. These missiles are capable of delivering a devastating payload with pinpoint accuracy, posing a serious threat to any target they are aimed at.
The deployment of hypersonic missiles in the offensive strike on Kyiv signals Russia’s willingness to use its most advanced military technology to achieve its strategic objectives in Ukraine. This move is likely intended to intimidate and demoralize the Ukrainian government and military, as well as to send a clear message to the international community about Russia’s military capabilities.
The use of hypersonic missiles in this offensive strike also raises concerns about the potential for civilian casualties and collateral damage in Kyiv. The high speed and precision of these weapons make them particularly dangerous in urban areas, where innocent civilians could be caught in the crossfire.
The international community has condemned Russia’s actions and called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine. The United Nations Security Council has held emergency meetings to address the situation, with many member states expressing deep concern about the escalation of violence and the potential for a wider conflict in the region.
As tensions continue to rise in Ukraine, it is crucial for all parties involved to exercise restraint and seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The use of hypersonic missiles in offensive strikes only serves to escalate the situation and increase the risk of further bloodshed and destruction.
In conclusion, Russia’s deployment of hypersonic missiles in an offensive strike on Kyiv represents a dangerous escalation in the conflict in Ukraine. The international community must work together to de-escalate tensions and find a diplomatic solution to the crisis before it spirals out of control.
