
Russian missiles struck Kyiv early Friday, killing one person and wounding nine others, following Ukraine’s use of US-supplied missiles against targets in Russia’s border region.
Ukrainian air defense intercepted five Iskander ballistic missiles targeting the capital. The attack’s aftermath disrupted heating services to 630 residential buildings, 16 medical facilities, and 30 educational institutions. Missile debris caused fires and damage across three districts.
Ukraine’s air force emphasized the urgency of responding to ballistic missile warnings due to the minimal warning time required to seek shelter.
The Russian Defense Ministry stated the attack was retaliation for a Ukrainian strike on Russia’s Rostov region two days prior. They claimed Ukraine employed six American ATACMS missiles and four British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles in that operation. Ukraine had reported targeting a Rostov oil refinery as part of its strategy to disrupt Russia’s military support infrastructure.
Moscow has expressed strong opposition to Ukraine’s use of Western-provided weapons for strikes within Russian territory. Ukraine’s first deployment of American longer-range missiles against Russian targets occurred on November 19, after the US relaxed usage restrictions.
This development prompted Russia’s inaugural use of its Oreshnik hypersonic missile. President Putin indicated the weapon could target Kyiv’s government facilities, though no subsequent Oreshnik launches have been reported.
Responding to the Rostov incident, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported conducting precision strikes on Ukraine’s military intelligence headquarters and a facility allegedly producing Neptune missiles. They also claimed to have targeted Ukrainian cruise missile systems and American Patriot air defense installations, stating all objectives were achieved. These claims remain unverified.
Throughout the nearly three-year conflict, Russia has frequently targeted Ukrainian civilian areas, often attempting to disable power infrastructure and destabilize the population. Ukraine, working to defend against Russia’s larger military force at the front line, has focused on striking Russian military support infrastructure.
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