Kyiv reels from ballistic barrage as air defense stocks run dry

The early morning assault saw 35 missiles and 185 drones launched against Ukrainian targets, with Russia’s ballistic missiles overwhelming local defenses. Zelenskiy stated that only a single ballistic projectile was intercepted, citing an absolute lack of Patriot ammunition. The shortfall stems from diverted supplies, as U.S. military priorities shifted to support allies in the Gulf amid regional tensions. The destruction spanned seven districts in the capital, damaging 18 residential buildings, a school, and the Lithuanian Embassy.

Casualties were reported across the Dnipro river, with seven deaths in the Darnytskyi district and two in Solomyanskyi, while an additional fatality occurred in the surrounding region. Residents reported windows shattering and ceilings collapsing as waves of explosions rocked the city. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha warned that the outcome of the war now hinges on securing the skies, as Ukraine continues its own retaliatory strikes against Russian oil infrastructure in Bashkortostan. Mayor Vitali Klitschko has since ordered the expansion of shelter capacity, even as the frequency of Russian strikes on urban centers intensifies.