Russia missile attacks leaves 18 dead, over 130 hurt: Zelenskiy

KYIV: President Volodymyr Zelenskiy Wednesday said that Russian missiles struck Ukraine's two largest cities, claiming 18 lives, injuring over 130, and causing extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. 

As Moscow's war against Ukraine approaches its third year, the recent attacks targeted the eastern city of Kharkiv with three waves of devastation. Additionally, strikes hit Kyiv, central Ukraine, and the southern region of Kherson, which had already been subject to constant shelling.

In his nightly video address, Zelenskiy revealed that Russia employed nearly 40 missiles of different types in what he described as "another combined strike to try to circumvent our air defense system." 

The impact was widespread, affecting more than 200 sites, including 139 dwellings. Particularly distressing was the loss of life in an ordinary high-rise apartment building where, as Zelenskiy stressed, "ordinary people lived there."

Kharkiv, a city no stranger to the ravages of war, witnessed eight casualties, as reported by the mayor and the governor of the region. The aftermath depicted scenes of search and rescue operations in a shattered apartment building, with the danger of falling debris prompting a suspension of operations before midnight.

Governor Oleh Synehubov highlighted the extensive damage, revealing that over 100 high-rise blocks were affected in the initial attacks. The Ukrainian General Staff reported the destruction of 22 out of 44 missiles, showcasing the resilience of the country's armed forces in the face of the onslaught.

The timing of these strikes coincided with Defence Minister Rustem Umerov's statement at an international ministerial meeting on Kyiv's defense needs, where he underscored Russia's intensification of missile attacks. Umerov disclosed that in the past two months alone, Russian forces had deployed over 600 missiles and more than 1,000 drones.

In response to the escalating crisis, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced Berlin's commitment to send six "Sea King" helicopters to Ukraine later this year – a significant development in international support.

In Kyiv, emergency services reported 22 people, including four children, wounded across multiple districts. The aftermath of the strikes unfolded with rescuers tending to victims amidst debris and broken glass. The impact extended to damage near the United Nations office, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of the attacks.

Despite the Kremlin's denial of targeting civilians, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Kherson's regional governor revealed sustained aerial bombardment throughout the day, resulting in casualties and infrastructure damage.