Russia has carried out a wave of ballistic missile strikes on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, killing one person and wounding at least 14, officials say. President Volodymyr Zelensky called it “one of the most massive ballistic attacks on Kyiv” since the start of the full-scale invasion.
The Ukrainian military said air defences had shot down 18 out of 41 missiles, while systems also intercepted 108 drones. The attack involved Iskander and hypersonic Zircon missiles, as well as 125 drones, according to the Ukrainian air force. Explosions were heard across the city for several hours after the assault began at 1.30am local time.
“Russia launches biggest ballistic missile attack on Kyiv since invasion, killing one and wounding 14, as Starmer pledges £255m support.”
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said both residential and non-residential buildings had been damaged, including a supermarket and a dormitory. Firefighters have been battling blazes at two warehouses and in five different districts.
Zelensky said that in the past week Russia had “used about 1,450 strike drones, more than 1,640 guided bombs and 99 missiles of various types against Ukraine”.
The overnight strikes came after Ukraine sent drones to destroy two warehouses belonging to Russia’s biggest online retailer, Wildberries, killing eight people and causing major fires. Seven deaths and 25 injuries occurred at a facility in Tambov, and one death and 37 injuries at another warehouse in Elektrostal.
The assault came as Sir Keir Starmer arrived in Kyiv on his final visit as prime minister to announce fresh funding worth £255m, including 16 new advanced aircraft, for Ukraine’s fight against Russia. Speaking in the Ukrainian capital, he said: “Anyone who thinks that Ukraine is somehow a drain is just plain wrong. The truth is Ukraine’s stand has preserved European security.”
Starmer, who was awarded the Ukrainian honour the Order of Freedom, assured Zelensky: “Your fight is our fight, your security is our security, and the UK will not waver.” He added that Ukraine was “now in its strongest position since the start of Russia’s full-stage invasion”.
Starmer leaves a legacy including a 100-year partnership between the two countries, aimed at fostering closer defence and trade ties. Asked whether incoming prime minister Andy Burnham would continue support, Starmer said: “The resolve of the UK will remain the same.”
Zelensky acknowledged concerns about leadership changes, saying: “Of course I’m afraid of changes, of course we are afraid because we are in the war each day. But again the priority is the relation between nations, not just between people. I’m sure that these relations will not change.”