Ukraine's president told allies that anti-ballistic measures could have saved lives after a Russian overnight assault on Kyiv left at least 17 dead and more than 40 injured.
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Key facts
- At least 17 people were killed and more than 40 injured in the overnight attack on Kyiv.
- Ukraine's air force shot down 98 of the 115 drones fired by Russia.
- Ukraine was unable to shoot down any of the missiles, according to preliminary air force statistics.
- Zelenskyy said anti-ballistic measures could have saved lives.
- Kyiv still relies on allied supplies to counter missiles, AFP noted.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticised a shortfall in anti-missile defences after a large Russian overnight attack on Kyiv killed at least 17 people and injured more than 40, according to the Guardian’s live coverage.
Zelenskyy told allies that anti-ballistic measures could have saved lives during the assault, pointing to the gap between Ukraine’s ability to intercept drones and its capacity to counter missiles.
Ukraine’s air force said it shot down 98 of the 115 drones fired by Russia overnight, demonstrating a high interception rate against drone attacks.
However, preliminary statistics from the air force showed the country was unable to shoot down any of the missiles launched during the attack.
As AFP noted, Kyiv can intercept the vast majority of drones but still relies on supplies from allies to counter missiles, underscoring the president’s appeal for stronger air defences.
The attack adds to the toll of civilian casualties in the Ukrainian capital and renews Kyiv’s calls for additional support from its international partners.
Why it matters
The attack highlights a critical vulnerability in Ukraine's air defences, where drones can be intercepted but missiles largely cannot without allied support. Continued civilian casualties intensify pressure on Ukraine's partners to supply more advanced anti-missile systems.
Frequently asked questions
How many people were killed in the Kyiv attack?
At least 17 people were killed and more than 40 were injured in the overnight Russian attack on Kyiv, according to the Guardian's live coverage.
How many drones and missiles did Russia fire?
Russia fired 115 drones overnight, of which Ukraine's air force shot down 98. Ukraine was unable to shoot down any of the missiles launched, according to preliminary air force statistics.
Why couldn't Ukraine stop the missiles?
Kyiv can intercept the vast majority of drones but still relies on supplies from allies to counter missiles, AFP noted. Zelenskyy said anti-ballistic measures could have saved lives.
Timeline
- Zelenskyy rails at lack of anti-missile defences amid deadly Russian attack on Kyiv – Europe live
The Guardian World: Ukrainian president tells allies that anti-ballistic measures could have saved lives as at least 17 die and more than 40 are injured in huge attack Ukraine shot down 98 of the 115 drones fired by Russia overnight , the country’s air force said. But it was unable to shoot down any