LONDON — A deadly Russian drone strike on New Year’s Eve claimed the life of one person and injured at least six others, including a pregnant woman, in Kyiv, Ukrainian officials confirmed.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack, stating, “In war, there are no holidays, and for Russia, nothing is sacred or inviolable. It spares no one, killing people even amid New Year celebrations, starting a deadly countdown from the very first day. The world must not allow tyranny and dictatorship to go unpunished or endorsed in the new year.”
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that over 100 drones were launched, targeting 10 regions, including Kyiv. Of the 111 attack drones, Ukraine successfully shot down 63, and 46 failed to reach their targets.
U.S. Ambassador Bridget A. Brink expressed gratitude for the efforts of air defenders and first responders on social media, calling them heroes. Ukrainian parliamentary official Stefanchuk also denounced the attack, labeling it a cowardly act aimed at civilians and wishing the victims a swift recovery.
Air raid sirens sounded across Kyiv before dawn, urging residents to seek shelter. The heaviest damage occurred in the central Pecherskyi district, where a fire broke out in a residential building following the strike. Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that two people were hospitalized and two others were treated at the scene. Additionally, falling debris caused fires and damage in other parts of the city, including the Sviatoshynskyi neighborhood.
The Ukrainian military said the attack was repelled by air defense forces, including aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, and electronic warfare units.
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