Russia Launches Ballistic Missiles At Kyiv In Retaliation Against Ukraine’s Drone Attacks

Days after Ukraine’s drone attacks on bomber fleet, Russia on Friday retaliated with ballistic missiles and drones from multiple locations, the Ukrainian Air Force said.

Several buildings across the capital city were damaged by falling debris and drone strikes as Ukraine attempted to stop the incoming projectiles, Tymur Tkachenko, Head of Kyiv City Military Administration, said, CNN reported.

At least three people were injured in the latest attack, The Guardian reported. The attacks follow Ukraine’s ‘Operation Spiderweb’, which inflicted heavy damage to the Russian military and took down a substantial portion of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet, including Tu-95 and Tu-160 aircraft.

Tkachenko alleged that Russia attempted to target the residential areas with drones, adding that a high-rise building in the Solomyansky district of Kyiv suffered damage. The fire broke out on the 11th floor of the 16-story residential building.

Fires were also reported in the districts of Holosiivskyi and Darnytskyi of Kyiv, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The authorities urged the locals to seek shelter. Ukraine’s air defence systems were activated in the Obolon area of the capital city to shoot down the incoming projectiles, according to the Mayor.

“The attack on the capital continues. Stay in shelters!” the Mayor said. Russia’s strong retaliation comes days after Ukraine’s security service launched large-scale drone attacks deep inside Russia and damaged 41 Russian military aircraft.

On Tuesday, Ukraine also attacked the Kerch Bridge, which is the only direct link between Russia and the Crimean Peninsula. The attack used 1,100 kilograms of explosives placed underwater. Russia had vowed to retaliate against Ukraine’s drone operation and said it would respond as and when its military deemed fit.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that he had urged his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on Wednesday not to retaliate against Ukraine, but he expected Moscow to hit back. “It’s probably not going to be pretty. I don’t like it,” said Trump, referring to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. He also spoke about the tense relationship between Putin and Zelenskyy, saying there is “great hatred” between them.