Russia launches massive missile attack on Kyiv: fires and casualties reported
Photo: Naked Science
Morning, January 23, saw Russia launch a massive missile strike on Kyiv, causing car fires and destruction in three city districts.
One person is reportedly injured, Rubryka reports, citing the statement from Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klychko and the Ukrainian Air Force.
Initially, airborne forces warned of a potential launch of guided missiles from Russian bombers, posing a threat to areas under air alert. "Missile danger in southern and eastern regions due to the threat of launches from Tu-95MS aircraft," said the alert.
At six in the morning, the Ukrainian Air Force reported the first group of missiles was in the Sumy region heading toward Poltava. Shortly after, new aircraft takeoffs were detected. "Missile towards Myrhorod (likely Kh-59). Takeoff of Tu-22m3 aircraft from Shaykovka airfield (Kaluga Oblast, Russia)," the Ukrainian Air Force reported.
By eight in the morning, Kyiv was rocked by explosions as the anti-air defense system started its work to down the threats. "In Sviatoshynskyi district, cars are on fire. Several emergency calls in Solomianskyi district," said Klychko.
Later, the mayor reported a fire in a building in the Sviatoshynskyi district and noted burning cars near a kindergarten. "In Sviatoshynskyi district, another address reported a fire. Due to debris falling on the building, balconies from the 1st to the 5th floor are damaged. In the apartment on fire, one person was found injured," he said.
In the Solomianskyi district, the shockwave damaged windows in a multi-story building. "In the Solomianskyi district, windows were blown out in a multi-story building due to the shockwave. Currently, there is no information about casualties. There are medical calls at another address in Solomianskyi district," said Klychko.
Subsequently, he confirmed one person was injured. "At the moment, one injured person has been hospitalized by medics in Solomianskyi district," he clarified.
An explosive wave also damaged a non-residential building in Pecherskyi district. Emergency units are heading to the scene. "In Pecherskyi district, a fire is being extinguished in a non-residential building," Klychko wrote.
Later on, Klychko reported seven injured civilians. "Already seven people affected by the morning attack on the capital. Most of them are in the Solomianskyi district. Six people have been hospitalized, and one injured person, a 13-year-old boy, received assistance at the scene," said the mayor.
Update: Klychko noted that the number of casualties has risen to 9. "At the moment, nine people have been affected in the Solomianskyi and Sviatoshynskyi districts of the capital due to the morning enemy attack. Eight people have been hospitalized," he stated.
In Sviatoshynskyi district, emergency services are evacuating people from a residential building affected by the Russian morning attack. In one of the apartments, a combat part of an unexploded missile was found, according to the mayor.
Reminder: Russians attacked Kharkiv this morning, January 23. A series of strikes on the city were reported after 4 a.m.
Previous major attack by Russia on January 2
A series of powerful explosions rocked Kyiv as Russian forces launched ballistic missiles on January 2.
According to the Kyiv City Military Administration, air defense forces successfully neutralized all Shahed-type combat drones in the Kyiv region, over 60 Kh-101/Kh555/Kh-55 missiles, and around ten "Kinzhal" missiles. The air raid alert lasted nearly 6 hours.
In Kyiv and the surrounding region, two people lost their lives due to Russian strikes. The capital reported 54 deaths, including one child. Multiple residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure were damaged.
