Russian strike on Kyiv region kills 17, dozens more injured, Zelenskyy says PHOTO / UPDATED

At least 17 people have been killed and 44 others injured in a massive Russian strike on Kyiv and the surrounding region, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Telegram.

“As of now, 44 people are known to have been injured in the massive Russian strike on Kyiv and the Kyiv region. Another 17 people have, unfortunately, been killed. My condolences to their families and loved ones. It was a heavy attack: 24 ballistic missiles, four Zircon/Oniks missiles, and another 115 drones, a significant number of them jet-powered. The main targets were warehouses belonging to civilian businesses, while infrastructure and a railway station were also hit. These were facilities with no connection to the war: a brewery, construction material warehouses, and civilian logistics facilities,” Zelenskyy noted.

The Ukrainian president again stressed the importance of supplying air defence systems capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.

“Ballistic missile interceptors are what could have saved the lives of those killed today. It is critically important that our partners understand that delays in delivering them, or unwillingness to provide anti-ballistic systems, lead to exactly these kinds of horrific casualties and destruction. Partners who are not ready to step up deliveries of interceptors right now can help through additional sanctions. A significant portion of Russia's ballistic missile production remains unsanctioned. That is still the case. New measures are needed from the G7, the EU, and everyone committed to protecting lives. I thank those who are prepared to help in this way,” the president added.

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The death toll has risen following Russia's overnight ballistic missile strikes on Kyiv and the surrounding region, which triggered fires in residential buildings and warehouse facilities across the Ukrainian capital.

According to Ukraine's State Emergency Service, warehouse and industrial facilities were damaged in the Bucha, Brovary and Fastiv districts of the Kyiv region.

The strikes also hit Kyiv's Obolon, Sviatoshynskyi, Holosiivskyi and Desnianskyi districts.

Authorities initially reported 14 people killed and 27 others injured in the attacks. The State Emergency Service later confirmed one additional fatality, bringing the death toll to 15.

By Jeyhun Aghazada