Russia Sends Destructive Waves of Missiles to Ukraine’s Capital

On July 1st, Russia sent rounds of ballistic missiles and drones to Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv. Over 30 residential apartments and facilities were damaged. At least 21 were killed, 85 injured, and many more buried in the rubble. The Russian Defense Ministry claims that this attack was retaliation against Ukraine’s previous attacks.

Russia has been consistently attacking Ukraine throughout the past four years of this war. Ukraine has developed enough weaponry to be able to return blasts into regions of Russia. Both sides have already suffered destroyed infrastructure and many casualties, and Ukraine is now receiving more military aid from its allies.

Mr. Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, states that the damage inflicted by Ukraine on Russian infrastructure was “obviously creating problems” and “certain shortages,” although these are not urgent. Ukraine claims to have struck one of Russia’s leading oil locations, prompting Russia to send a blast back, escalating the conflict.

Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, had warned Ukrainian citizens in the past few days of an impending strike from Russia. It had been 2 weeks since the last one, giving Russia enough time to gather destructive missiles and other weapons to target areas in Ukraine.

On the day the blast struck, Ukrainian citizens took shelter in various areas, such as subway stations, basements, and even makeshift shelters. Many others waited out the attack in an underground parking garage.

Olena Rudenkova, a resident of the Darnytsia District of Kyiv, told the New York Times, “I don’t think anyone cries anymore, not even the children. Everyone becomes as focused and angry as possible.” These bombings have become such a regular sight in Ukraine that citizens are no longer despairing over them.

In response to Russia’s attack, the European Union decided to support Ukraine’s military even more. “Words of condemnation alone will not stop attacks on Kyiv,” Kaja Kallas, the bloc’s top diplomat, clarified. “Only sustained military support for Ukraine and increased pressure on Moscow can do that.”