Russia Retaliates Against Ukrainian Strikes

Ballistic missiles and drones attacked Kyiv on Thursday, causing at least 27 deaths and 87 more injuries. Russia’s strikes partially destroyed many apartment buildings, and emergency crews spent the morning searching through rubble for those still trapped.

Russia’s defense ministry said the attack was retribution for when Ukraine attacked fuel depots and military sites far into Russian territory. Ukraine has used long-range drones and cruise missiles to bring the war further into Russia. This caused fuel shortages that President Vladimir Putin acknowledged on Sunday. He said the strikes were causing logistical problems but described the situation as not critical.

Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, said that Russia’s actions were not comparable to Ukraine’s. He said it was wrong to suggest Russia was responding to Ukraine’s strikes and made it clear that Ukraine was acting in self-defense.

In the aftermath, the Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched 74 missiles and 476 drones. 28 of those were ballistic missiles that can only be stopped by American-made Patriot systems. Ukraine has been running out of Patriot interceptors as NATO allies have not been able to keep up with Russia’s missile production.

Kyiv’s subway stations were packed with over 50,000 residents during the bombardment. A Darnytsia district resident said that people’s fear has not disappeared, but the response to the strikes is different. She said, “I don’t think anyone cries anymore, not even the children.” She added, “Everyone becomes as focused and angry as possible.”

The European Union responded by proposing a new round of sanctions against entities supporting Russia’s defense industry. Kaja Kallas, the bloc’s top diplomat, said condemnation alone would not stop the attacks, adding that only sustained military support for Ukraine and increased pressure on Moscow could make a difference in this conflict.