Russian missile strikes damage 12 high-rise buildings in Sumy region, debris rains down on Kyiv

On December 31, Russian troops initiated a missile attack on the infrastructure of the Shostka community in the Sumy region. This caused destruction to infrastructure facilities and damage to residential structures, educational institutions, and social facilities. Additionally, there was reported debris from the missile strike on Kyiv falling in the Darnytskyi district, according to initial reports.

The Sumy Regional Military Administration, Mykola Noha, the head of the Shostka community, and the Kyiv City Military Administration reported this.

Sumy region

"Today, December 31, the enemy launched a missile strike on the infrastructure of the Shostka community. The consequences of the Russian attack are being clarified," the military administration initially wrote.

The head of the Shostka community, Mykola Noha, later reported that there was destruction as a result of the Russian strikes.

"Some infrastructure facilities were destroyed. 12 multi-story residential buildings, two educational institutions, and other social facilities were damaged… Emergency and rescue units are working. Damage and losses are being clarified," he said.

Around 9 a.m., the Sumy Regional Military Administration reported that the Russian invaders were still targeting the infrastructure of the Shostka community with missiles. The administration urged residents to seek shelter.

Kyiv

Explosions were also heard in the capital at night and in the morning. The Air Force reported that high-speed targets were heading towards Kyiv and Vasylkiv. Air defense was active in Kyiv and the surrounding area.

The Kyiv City Military Administration later reported that debris from the missile strike on Kyiv had been observed falling in the Darnytskyi district of the capital.

"According to the information being verified, the debris fell on the roof of a private building. There was no fire or destruction. There was no information about the victims,"​ the head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, Serhii Popko, said.

Around 8:30 a.m., the Air Force announced that a MiG-31K had taken off from the Russian Savasleyka airfield. This fighter can carry Kinzhal missiles, but the aircraft itself did not launch them.

It is worth mentioning that following the extensive missile strike by Russian troops on Ukraine on Christmas, there is a likelihood of them planning for another major attack closer to New Year's Eve. According to the head of the Center for Military-Legal Studies, Oleksandr Musienko, this next potential attack could happen within 7–10 days after the New Year. This information was recently reported in a commentary to RBC-Ukraine.

For reference:

On the night and morning of December 31, explosions were reported in Kyiv and the surrounding area. Air defense teams responded to Russian missile activity, and similar operations were conducted in other parts of the region.

There were reports of high-speed targets in the Kharkiv region, specifically near the border of Sumy and Kharkiv regions in a southwestern direction.

There were also sightings of guided aircraft missiles in the Poltava region, heading towards Myrhorod, and in the Sumy region, heading towards the Poltava region.

The Air Force later reported missiles in the northern part of the Poltava region, heading towards the west, in the Sumy region towards the direction of Poltava, in the north of the Cherkasy region heading southwest, and in the southern part of the Chernihiv region going west.

It should be noted that on Christmas, December 25, the Russian Federation launched over 70 missiles and 100 drones over Ukraine. Over 50 missiles and a significant part of the drones were shot down by air defense forces.