Dozens of residents, wrapped in blankets, gathered on the streets to evaluate the damage in their homes
Russia launched its largest air strike on Sunday since the start of the war in Ukraine and for the first time hit a local government building in downtown Kiev.
At least four people died -for them, a child -said Ukrainian authorities. According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, more than 40 victims were injured in the country and receive care from rescuers.
Bombing with over 800 drones and 13 missiles caused damage in other parts of the country, the local government said. The north, south and east of Ukraine were also affected, including the cities of Zaporizehzia, Kryvyi Rih and Odesa, as well as in the regions of Sumy and Chernihiv.
A thick smoke was seen in the sky coming out of the government’s main building in the historic Pecherskyl neighborhood. “For the first time, the roof and superior floors of the government building were hit by an enemy attack,” said Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko in a publication on Telegram.
In other parts of Kiev, residential apartments were destroyed. Dozens of residents, wrapped in blankets, gathered on the streets to evaluate the damage in their homes, while rescue teams struggled to extinguish the flames.
Zelensky made a new appeal to allied countries. Following the largest Russian war air strike, the Ukrainian President asked for help to the Ukrainian air defenses.
“Such murders now, when true diplomacy could have started a long time ago, are a deliberate crime and a prolongation of the war,” said Zelensky.
By the end of August, another great Russian offensive had already killed 25 people. Also with drones and missiles, the Russian military reached the facilities of the European Union delegation and the British Council’s office. Despite the escalation of the attacks, the official buildings of the capital had been saved by large part.
Russian military advance
Russian forces currently occupy about 20% of the Ukrainian territory. The last weeks have been marked by intense diplomatic movement in search of a solution to the conflict. Among the meetings, we highlight the summit held on 15 August between Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Alaska.
Despite the efforts, no significant advance has been achieved. Moscow continues to reject appeals for a ceasefire, even after three and a half years of the conflict that has left the most victims in Europe since World War II.
