Three individuals have died in a Russian air strike on Kyiv overnight, as per Ukrainian officials.
The incident unfolded with two loud explosions followed by an air raid siren sounding at around 06:00 (04:00 GMT). The missiles had struck before the ballistic threat alert prompting residents to seek shelter was issued.
The central Shevchenkivskyi district bore the brunt of the damage, manifesting in a significant crater outside a business center.
While a military factory in the vicinity has been a repeated target for Russian attacks, the observed devastation mainly affected civilian structures. A civilian couple perished inside their vehicle, according to an official report.
The aftermath revealed notable damage to the metro station, adjacent eateries, and businesses, with emergency crews clearing burnt car wreckage from the area.
Subsequent to prior assaults in the same area, the business center's glass tower and main edifice were left in ruins, likely ensuing from a secondary missile or substantial fragment impact. Notably, the facility was unoccupied at the time of the strike.
Beside the primary crater, a Ukrainian forensics expert examined missile remnants piled on the pavement.
Andriy Kulchytskyy, the head of the Kyiv Institute of Scientific Expertise's Military Research Laboratory, identified the Iskander-M ballistic missile's involvement in the direct hit based on markings on the missile debris.
Kulchytskyy elaborated, "This specific site shows one impact," noting additional strikes and debris collection. He highlighted the missile's rapid trajectory rendering the warning system ineffective.
Amid the destruction, a local cake shop incurred severe frontage damage, while a neighboring dental clinic was entirely obliterated. The resilient staff sifted through the debris salvaging what they could.
One woman, sorting through a Christmas tree, encapsulated the grim reality by expressing, "It's happened before, but never as badly as this."
Meanwhile, amidst the chaos, a resident shared his harrowing experience of being awoken by a series of explosions and a noticeable building tremor.
The recurring attacks leave the community resilient yet shaken, exemplified by the bustling post-strike scenes juxtaposed with lingering fear and uncertainty.
These strikes mark the escalation of conflict following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. On the horizon looms the inauguration of Donald Trump, stirring apprehensions in a country heavily reliant on US support amidst ongoing hostilities.
The recent strikes underscore the persistent threat faced by Ukrainians as global dynamics continue to evolve, underscoring the necessity for sustained international support in their fight for safety and sovereignty.