Russian air strike on Kyiv leaves 3 dead – Ukraine reports

Three people have been killed following a Russian air strike on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, in the early hours of Friday morning, Ukrainian officials confirmed.

The attack, which struck the city’s central Shevchenkivskyi district, left a scene of destruction and uncertainty as residents grappled with another deadly escalation in the ongoing conflict.

According to officials, a ballistic missile landed just before the air raid alarms sounded at 06:00 local time (04:00 GMT). The timing of the strike, shortly after an earlier air raid alert had been lifted, caught many off guard and raised questions about the effectiveness of early warning systems.

At the heart of the impacted area, a large crater was visible on the road outside a business center. The tall glass tower, a prominent feature of the district, bore the brunt of the attack, suffering significant damage from either a second missile or a massive fragment from the initial strike. Broken glass and debris were scattered across nearby streets, and several surrounding buildings also sustained considerable damage.

“It’s devastating to see this level of destruction in our city once again,” said a resident who asked to remain anonymous.

“We were starting to believe the situation might improve, but this attack has shattered that hope.”

While Ukrainian authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage, they noted that the intended target of the strike remains unclear. The area, home to various businesses and residential buildings, does not appear to have strategic military significance.

Initial reports had indicated that four people were killed in the attack. However, officials later revised the death toll to three, while several others were reported injured. Emergency services worked through the morning to clear debris and assist those affected.

President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, calling it “a heinous crime against the people of Ukraine.” He vowed that such acts would not deter the country’s resolve in defending its sovereignty.

The Shevchenkivskyi district, a bustling part of Kyiv known for its mix of modern businesses and historic landmarks, has been targeted in previous strikes. The attack serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing dangers faced by civilians in the capital, even as the war grinds on into another year.

International reactions poured in swiftly, with Western leaders reiterating their support for Ukraine. The United Nations also expressed concern over the rising civilian toll in the conflict, urging restraint and adherence to international humanitarian law.

As Kyiv begins another day under the shadow of conflict, its residents remain resilient but wary of what might come next. The attack underscores the urgent need for a resolution to a war that has already claimed countless lives and left many others in fear and uncertainty.

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