Rocket strikes hit Kyiv — around twenty killed as Ukraine reports 24 ballistic and four hypersonic missiles

Rocket strikes hit Kyiv and nearby regions with deadly force, leaving around twenty people dead and dozens of fires after residential buildings were damaged or destroyed.

The Ukrainian authorities said the strikes came as Moscow launched "24 ballistic and four hypersonic missiles," and added that none of them were intercepted by air-defence systems.

Volodymyr Zelensky — President of Ukraine: "Ballistic missile interceptors could have saved the lives of those who died today. It is very important for our partners to understand that delays in delivery or unwillingness to provide anti-ballistic systems directly lead to such terrible casualties and destruction."

Mayor warns of people under rubble

The mayor of Kyiv warned there is a high likelihood that many people remain trapped under the rubble. About fifty people sought medical assistance after the attacks; some were reported with serious injuries.

Moscow has denied that residential targets were struck, saying the aim was logistics and distribution centres allegedly used for military purposes. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Europe of moving in the wrong direction and argued that funds sent to support Kyiv could instead have been used for reconstruction.

Maria Zakharova — Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia: "The money Western Europe sent to support the regime in Kyiv, this so-called aid, could have been used to rebuild Ukraine into a modern European Dubai. I am talking about technology and infrastructure, from roads, bridges and airports to the digitisation of commercial and residential buildings. Such generosity toward military aims stands in stark contrast to stinginess in constructive areas."

Despite the accusations, the European Union announced new financial assistance for Kyiv: €1.4 billion in interest accrued on frozen Russian assets will be transferred to the Ukrainian authorities.

Ursula von der Leyen — President of the European Commission: "Russia must pay for the destruction it has caused. And we are using revenues from blocked Russian assets to ensure that. We are making an additional €1.4 billion available to Ukraine. This will support Ukraine’s continued resistance against Russia’s illegal war."

In recent weeks both sides have intensified strikes: Kyiv says the main target of Moscow has been the capital, while Ukrainian forces have focused attacks on energy infrastructure.

Photo: press material from the event