Russia launched hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles against Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities overnight, killing 21 civilians and wounding more than 100 others. Loud explosions rocked Kyiv, as residents sheltered in basements, corridors and metro stations. Black smoke billowed above the city. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said civilian infrastructure and energy facilities were targeted across the country. He urged United States of America to send Patriot missiles to Ukraine. Mr. Zelensky has repeatedly warned that Kyiv is running out of Patriot interceptors, supplied by the US, which are the air defence system capable of blocking fast-moving ballistic missiles.
Russia’s Defence Ministry said the strikes were carried out in retaliation for earlier Ukrainian attacks. It added that all intended targets were successfully hit and the operation’s objectives had been achieved.
