Russian airstrikes kill eight in Kyiv, Kryvyi Rih

A Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv early Saturday resulted in at least four fatalities and extensive damage in the Shevchenkivskyi district, where debris from a shot-down missile caused casualties. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported shattered windows, damaged buildings, and the closure of the Lukyanivska metro station due to the attack, which saw Ukrainian air defenses shoot down 24 drones and two missiles. This strike is part of a broader pattern of escalated conflict, with Ukrainian forces also conducting drone attacks on industrial sites in Russia’s Kaluga and Tula regions, causing significant fires. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that such attacks underscore the need for more comprehensive air defense systems from international partners. The assault on Kyiv coincided with a separate attack in Kryvyi Rih, where another four people were killed, highlighting the ongoing violence and destruction across Ukraine. The situation remains precarious as both sides continue their military operations, with the Ukrainian Air Force reporting ongoing threats from Russian aerial assaults.