Kyiv hit by 19th Russian air attack in October, nine injured
In an escalation of conflict, nine people were injured during Russia's 19th aerial assault on the Ukrainian capital this month, officials reported on October 30, 2024.
The attack involved a swarm of 62 drones, with Ukrainian air defense forces successfully intercepting 33 of them. However, the fate of 25 drones remains uncertain.
The assault caused significant damage, including a fire that engulfed a multi-storey apartment building in the Solomianskyi district.
Among the injured was an 11-year-old girl. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that all injured individuals received on-site medical treatment, while 19 residents were evacuated from the affected building.
Photographs shared by the city’s military administration depicted the devastation, showing blown-out windows and significant damage to a kindergarten in the same area.
Eyewitness accounts noted firefighters battling flames in the apartment complex as air raid sirens blared across Kyiv and much of eastern Ukraine for over two hours during the assault.
This latest wave of attacks adds to a troubling pattern of aggression, with Ukraine’s air force noting that the capital has endured nearly daily drone strikes throughout October.
Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, expressed concern on Telegram, emphasizing the ongoing threat posed by Russian drones.
The situation is compounded by reports from the Pentagon indicating that North Korea has sent approximately 10,000 troops to train in Russia, potentially augmenting Russian forces in Ukraine.
This development has raised alarms in NATO and the EU, highlighting the increasing risks of broader conflict.
US officials had previously estimated only 3,000 North Korean troops were involved in training, but the new figures suggest a significant escalation.
President Joe Biden labeled the troop deployment as "very dangerous," underscoring the growing international concerns surrounding the Ukraine conflict.
Additionally, Ukraine claimed to have downed a total of 67 Russian drones and a cruise missile during recent attacks, including those targeting Kyiv and other regions such as Cherkasy, Vinnytsia, and Kharkiv.
Notably, a Russian stealth drone, the S-70 Okhotnik, was also reportedly downed near the front lines in eastern Ukraine, drawing attention due to its advanced technology.
As the conflict continues, Ukrainian officials remain vigilant. Serhiy Popko confirmed that all drones targeting Kyiv were shot down during the overnight assault, although the threat remains persistent.
Klitschko noted that debris from downed drones has caused damage in residential areas, further complicating the safety of civilians.
This series of attacks serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing violence in Ukraine, with civilians bearing the brunt of the conflict.
As military actions escalate, the situation in Kyiv and the broader region remains precarious, with officials urging residents to stay alert and prepared for further attacks.