Russia Launches Largest Air Assault on Ukraine, Strikes Kyiv
UPDATE: Russia has just launched its largest air assault on Ukraine, deploying over 800 drones in an unprecedented attack that struck a government building in Kyiv for the first time. This devastating assault, taking place overnight on July 15, 2023, has resulted in at least two fatalities, including an infant, as the Ukrainian capital endured an air-raid siren for a staggering 11 hours.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that a total of 810 drones, alongside four ballistic missiles and nine cruise missiles, were launched by Moscow. While Ukrainian defenses managed to intercept many, 54 drones and nine missiles successfully hit targets across the nation, surpassing the scale of a previous attack in July that was deemed the largest of the war.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko condemned the assault as a “massive attack,” emphasizing that cities including Kryvyi Rih, Dnipro, Kremenchuk, and Odesa were also targeted. The prime minister’s office building in Kyiv suffered direct hits, with the roof and upper floors being severely damaged. “Rescuers are extinguishing the fire. I thank them for their work,” Svyrydenko stated, highlighting the ongoing struggle against these brutal strikes.
Tragically, an infant was discovered under the rubble of a damaged building in the Sviatoshynskyi neighborhood. Tymur Tkachenko, head of the city’s military administration, reported that the child was under one year old. Additionally, a young woman was killed in the same incident. The destruction included a nine-floor apartment building where four floors were “partially destroyed,” according to Vitali Klitschko, Kyiv’s mayor.
Residential areas in Sviatoshynskyi were not spared; a 16-story building sustained damage from debris, igniting fires on multiple floors. Reports indicate at least 18 people have been injured as a result of the strikes, which Ukraine’s State Emergency Services described as a “massive attack.” Images shared by the agency depict extensive damage to buildings, with firefighters working tirelessly to control the flames.
In response to the escalating threat, Polish and allied aircraft were deployed to secure Polish airspace due to nearby Russian attacks in western Ukraine, as confirmed by the country’s armed forces. “Polish and allied aircraft are operating in our airspace, while ground-based air defense and radar reconnaissance systems have been brought to the highest state of readiness,” a statement from Poland’s operational command read.
This alarming escalation marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. As the situation develops, the humanitarian impact continues to grow, raising urgent concerns for safety and security across the region.
Authorities and citizens alike are bracing for the severe ramifications of this latest assault, as Ukraine remains steadfast in its defense against the relentless aggression. The international community watches closely, with many questioning what the next steps will be in this escalating conflict.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation evolves. The need for solidarity and support for those affected has never been more critical.
