At least four people are reported to have died and 80 others injured following a significant Russian strike on Kyiv. Ukrainian authorities confirmed that numerous residential buildings, several schools, and a water supply facility sustained damage, while a market was engulfed in flames.
Vanya, a 13-year-old whose apartment in Kyiv was hit during the assault, fortunately escaped unharmed. Speaking to staff from the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) at the scene, he expressed his deep concern: “I just really hope my neighbours and friends are alive.”
UNICEF characterized the large-scale, persistent attack as a “terrifying night for children and families” via their official social media channels.
Woken by ‘Terrifying Sounds of War’
Matthias Schmale, a senior UN official stationed in Ukraine, stated that he and his colleagues, along with all Kyiv residents, were once again awakened by the “terrifying loud sounds of war” in the middle of the night. Mr. Schmale noted that the strike persisted for approximately seven hours, with falling debris igniting fires across the city.
“Civilians live with immense risks as a result of this relentless violence,” declared the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator. “The widespread pattern of civilian harm must stop.”
WHO Offices Among Structures Hit
The Kyiv offices of the World Health Organization (WHO) were among the buildings impacted by the overnight offensive. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reported via a social media post that debris from one of the strikes shattered windows on the third floor of a building housing multiple UN agencies. Fortunately, no staff members sustained injuries.
Tedros urged an immediate cessation of attacks on health facilities and civilians, reinforcing the WHO’s calls for a ceasefire. He concluded, “Peace is the best medicine.”
