Russia launches one of the largest strikes on Kyiv
"Russia launched one of its largest air strikes on Kyiv in over three years of war and struck a maternity ward in the southern city of Odesa in attacks that killed at least three people, officials said on Tuesday," reports Reuters."
The overnight attacks came in the wake of Russia’s largest drone offensive against Ukraine on Monday and were part of an escalating campaign that Moscow claims is in response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory.
"The overnight attacks came in the wake of Russia’s largest drone offensive against Ukraine on Monday and were part of an escalating campaign that Moscow claims is in response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory," stated Reuters. The city authorities added that one person died in the attack. Moreover, at least four people were hospitalised after the attack on seven Kyiv districts.
"Russian missile and Shahed strikes drown out the efforts of the United States and others around the world to force Russia into peace," reported President Zelensky. "For yet another night, instead of a ceasefire, there were massive strikes with Shahed drones, cruise and ballistic missiles. Today was one of the largest attacks on Kyiv. Odesa, Dnipro region, and Chernihiv region were also targeted," he added.
"In total, Russia used 315 drones in the attack, including 250 Shaheds, and 7 missiles, 2 of which were North Korean-made ballistic missiles. Residential buildings and urban infrastructure were damaged," President Zelensky reported. "In Odesa, even a maternity hospital became a Russian target. Thirteen people were injured. Tragically, there are fatalities," Zelensky stated, adding his "condolences to the families."
Damage to UNESCO's Saint Sophia Cathedral
"Tonight, the enemy struck again at the very heart of our identity. Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv is damaged – a shrine that has survived centuries and symbolises the birth of our statehood. The shockwave caused the destruction of the cornice on the main apse of this monument of national importance. This 11th-century temple is the soul of all Ukraine," wrote Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications Mykola Tochytskyi on Facebook.
