Russia launches one of war’s largest air attacks on Kyiv

Russia executed one of its most significant air strikes on Kyiv in over three years of conflict, targeting a maternity ward in the southern city of Odesa, resulting in the deaths of at least two individuals, as reported by officials on Tuesday.

The overnight assaults followed Russia’s largest drone attack of the war on Ukraine that occurred on Monday and were part of a series of intensified bombings that Moscow claims are in retaliation for Ukrainian forces’ strikes on Russia. Loud explosions reverberated through Kyiv, and blasts along with fires illuminated the sky in the early hours of Tuesday morning, leaving thick plumes of smoke hanging over the city, according to witnesses from Reuters.

At least four individuals received medical treatment in hospitals after seven out of the ten districts in the capital were struck, as stated by city officials. Despite Moscow and Kyiv having conducted two rounds of direct peace negotiations in recent weeks, the only significant outcome has been an agreement on the exchange of prisoners of war, while Russia has continued to make advances along the front lines in eastern Ukraine.

Both Moscow and Kyiv hold each other accountable for the stagnation in efforts to conclude the war, which has persisted since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, with U.S. President Donald Trump expressing dissatisfaction with both parties.Russia temporarily suspended flights overnight at four airports serving Moscow, at St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport, and at airports in nine other cities after the Defence Ministry reported that Ukraine had launched additional drones at Russia, according to officials.

Flights in Moscow and several other cities were later resumed, but restrictions remained in effect in St. Petersburg as of 0430 GMT. No damage was reported.Ukraine’s air force indicated that Russia had launched 315 drones across the nation, of which 277 were intercepted. Additionally, all seven missiles fired by Russia were also successfully shot down, as reported.

Air raid alerts in Kyiv and most regions of Ukraine persisted for five hours, concluding around 5 a.m. (0200 GMT), based on information provided by the military.