Russia launched a large-scale assault on Ukraine’s capital, deploying hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles overnight. Officials say the attack killed at least four people and marked only the second time a new ballistic missile has been used in the nearly four-year war.
Russia uses new ballistic missile in major attack on Ukraine
Key Takeaways:
- Russia bombarded Ukraine’s capital with drones and missiles
- At least four people were killed in Kyiv
- The conflict has lasted nearly four years
- This was only the second use of a new ballistic missile in the war
- Officials described the attack as large-scale and overnight
Background of the Attack
Russia unleashed a large-scale overnight offensive against Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, sending what officials described as “hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles” across the city’s skies. The strike, which occurred late Thursday into Friday, underscores the persistent escalation in a war that is nearing its fourth year.
Significance of the New Ballistic Missile
According to Ukraine’s officials, this barrage featured the second recorded use of a new Russian ballistic missile since the onset of the conflict. Military experts regard the use of such sophisticated weaponry as a concerning development, given its potential to dramatically increase the impact and reach of future strikes.
Impact on Kyiv and Casualties
The overnight assault claimed the lives of at least four people in the capital, and local authorities suggested the final toll could rise as the full extent of the damage becomes clear. Although details remain limited, there are concerns about the attack’s effect on critical infrastructure and residential areas, adding to the growing human cost of the war.
The Four-Year War
For nearly four years, Ukraine has faced ongoing military pressure from Russian forces. The latest large-scale bombardment illustrates the changing nature of hostilities over an extended conflict, as both conventional and more advanced weapons continue to appear on the battlefield.
Official Response
Officials spoke on Friday to confirm the scope and severity of the offensive. They raised alarms about the continued threat of missile strikes and urged residents to remain vigilant. As the war grinds on, Ukraine and Russia remain locked in a cycle of escalation that poses new challenges to diplomatic efforts and regional stability.