Russian missile strikes kill 13 in Kyiv, more than 30 injured

At least 13 deaths and over 30 injuries have been reported following Russian missile strikes on Kyiv, according to Ukrainian officials. The attacks caused extensive damage, with a fire erupting in a nine-story residential building in the Solomianskyi district, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals. Mayor Vitali Klitschko has called for a day of mourning on Friday.

The assault also impacted several other districts, damaging non-residential facilities, warehouses, a school, and a children's hospital. Power company DTEK managed to restore electricity to more than half of the approximately 90,000 homes without power in the capital.

Residents recounted harrowing experiences, with Maria Abramova, a 45-year-old resident, describing the sudden explosion that nearly claimed her husband's life. She had just reached her children's room when the air raid alert sounded, causing windows to shatter and leaving her shaken.

Russian forces have intensified their air strikes on Ukraine in recent months, attempting to take advantage of the smaller nation's limited interception capabilities to neutralize ballistic missiles. The Russian defense ministry reported that Kyiv and the surrounding area were targeted by air strikes and drone attacks, striking facilities producing drone components, a military depot, and a logistics hub.

In the broader region surrounding Kyiv, an additional fatality was reported. Ukraine's emergency service released video of emergency responders combating a blaze in a building and aiding people in escaping from destroyed structures. Ukraine has also ramped up its attacks on Russia, targeting oil facilities and logistics infrastructure to weaken Moscow's war effort.

Despite diplomatic efforts, a lasting ceasefire has remained elusive since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy recently presented proposals to US negotiators, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, for ending the conflict. He has persistently requested interceptor missiles to counter missile attacks.

Russian officials have not received specific proposals for potential new meetings with US negotiators, as stated by the country's foreign ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova. However, she indicated that Moscow would be prepared to arrange a meeting at short notice. Witkoff and Kushner last visited Moscow in January and have yet to travel to Kyiv.