A Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian capital killed three people on Saturday, Ukrainian leaders said, branding it a "heinous" attack. President Volodymyr Zelensky called for global pressure on the Kremlin to end the invasion.
Russia's defence ministry claimed the strike was in retaliation for Ukrainian bombardments on its territory. The attack hit a rocket-maker based in Kyiv, killing at least three and injuring three others.
City officials identified the victims as two men, aged 43 and 25, and a 41-year-old woman. The strike left buildings damaged, debris scattered, and a McDonald's outlet charred.
Overnight, air raid sirens and Ukrainian air defense systems were active across the capital. Ukraine's air force reported downing two Iskander ballistic missiles and 24 Russian attack drones.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga condemned the attack as proof of Putin's desire for war. The conflict intensifies as both sides seek advantage ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.
The rare deadly strike on Kyiv comes amid escalating tensions. Russia claimed to have captured two villages in the Donetsk region, while Ukraine launched strikes on Russian energy and military sites.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukraine continues to resist Russian aggression. The international community must unite to pressure Russia into accepting a just peace.
