Deadly Drone Strike Hits Residential Building in Kyiv
A devastating drone attack shook the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv on Friday, leaving widespread destruction and sparking a massive emergency response. The high-rise residential building, located in the Solomianskyi district in the west of the city, was struck by a drone, which ignited a fire and damaged apartments on at least three floors, authorities confirmed.
Eyewitnesses described the harrowing scene, with an AFP reporter on the ground witnessing what appeared to be a drone buzzing overhead before crashing into the building, erupting in a fireball. The blast was powerful enough to cause significant damage to the upper floors of the building, with flames engulfing apartments on the 17th, 18th, and 19th floors. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko quickly sprang into action, taking to Telegram to confirm the attack and reassure citizens that emergency services were at the scene. "All emergency services are at the scene," he said.
The incident marks the latest in a long series of drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, which have been subjected to relentless bombardment by Russia throughout its two-and-a-half-year invasion. As the city prepares for what is likely to be its toughest winter yet, Kyiv has been urgently calling for more air defense support from its allies to bolster its defenses against Russian strikes on energy infrastructure.
Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of casualties from the attack, but the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. The drone strike serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict on civilians and the urgent need for increased support to help Ukraine protect its cities and its people.
