Russia launched its largest ballistic missile attack on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, with nearly 40 ballistic missiles fired at the city over a period of around 40 minutes, according to Ukraine's Foreign Ministry. The overnight assault on Sunday caused widespread damage across several districts of the capital, killing at least one person and injuring 15 others, according to local officials. The attack has intensified concerns over Ukraine's ability to defend against repeated Russian missile strikes as the war enters its fifth year.

Ukraine's national police said the strikes affected six districts of Kyiv, causing fires and damage to residential buildings, businesses, industrial facilities, a student dormitory and vehicles. Emergency teams from the State Emergency Service responded to multiple locations across the city, working through damaged areas to rescue residents and control fires triggered by the missile strikes.

In the Shevchenkivskyi district, rescue workers evacuated people from a burning three-storey building, while emergency personnel in the Sviatoshynskyi district rescued four people from a private residence that caught fire following the attack. Authorities also reported that a blaze at a non-residential building was brought under control. Later, rescuers discovered one person dead at one of the affected locations.

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The latest bombardment has highlighted Ukraine's increasing difficulties in countering Russia's missile campaign. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly warned that the country faces shortages of advanced air defence systems, particularly Patriot missile interceptors, which are considered among the most effective tools available to counter ballistic missile threats. Kyiv has continued urging its international partners to provide additional air defence support as Russian attacks on cities and infrastructure continue.

Ukraine's domestic political situation has also faced fresh pressure amid the ongoing conflict. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's decision to remove his defence minister as part of a broader cabinet reshuffle has triggered criticism from some opposition voices and concern among sections of the military community. Some critics have described the move as a mistake at a time when Ukraine is still engaged in intense fighting and requires stability in its defence leadership.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the missile barrage, describing it as a "brutal terrorist attack on the Ukrainian capital" and calling for stronger international action against Moscow. In a statement posted on X, Sybiha said Ukraine needed "devastating pressure" on Russia to stop what he described as continued attacks on civilians and infrastructure.

The attack comes as the Russia-Ukraine war continues with no immediate signs of a comprehensive peace agreement. While Ukrainian forces have attempted to maintain their defensive positions and regain territory in some areas, Russia has continued launching missile and drone strikes targeting Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure. The latest assault on Kyiv underscores the continuing challenges faced by Ukraine as it seeks additional military support while preparing for further Russian offensives.

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