Deadly Russian Missile Strike Hits Kyiv, Historic Cathedral Damaged in Overnight Attack

KYIV — At least nine people were killed and several others injured after a series of Russian strikes targeted Ukraine’s capital overnight, causing significant destruction across multiple districts and setting a historic cathedral ablaze, Ukrainian officials said.

Emergency services were deployed across Kyiv following the attacks, which damaged residential buildings, infrastructure, and cultural landmarks. Authorities reported that rescue teams worked through the night to search for survivors trapped beneath rubble and to extinguish fires sparked by the bombardment.

Among the sites affected was a historic cathedral in central Kyiv, where flames engulfed parts of the centuries-old structure. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze, but officials warned that the building had suffered considerable damage. Cultural heritage experts have begun assessing the extent of the destruction.

Ukrainian leaders condemned the strikes, describing them as another assault on both civilian lives and the country’s cultural heritage. Officials renewed calls for increased international support to strengthen air defenses and protect key infrastructure from continued attacks.

The latest bombardment comes amid ongoing fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces, with both sides reporting intensified military activity in several regions. Kyiv has remained a frequent target of missile and drone attacks despite enhanced defensive measures around the capital.

Local residents described scenes of chaos as air raid sirens sounded across the city and explosions echoed through the night. Several neighborhoods experienced power disruptions, while emergency crews continued clearing debris and assisting displaced families.

International leaders and organizations expressed concern over the attack and its impact on civilians. Humanitarian agencies reiterated calls for the protection of non-military sites, including religious and cultural landmarks, during armed conflict.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing, while authorities continue to assess the full scale of casualties and damage caused by the strike.

Source BBC NEWS