Ukrainian air defences successfully stopped a strong Russian air attack on Kyiv on Tuesday, intercepting and destroying all 18 missiles targeted at the capital. The attack, which took place during the night, involved Russian missiles launched from various sources in an apparent strategy to overpower Ukraines air defences. Fortunately, there were no casualties, and the use of weapons supplied by Western countries contributed to repelling the assault.The recent barrage on Kyiv by Russia was described as an unprecedented assault, characterised by a high concentration of missiles launched in a very short timeframe, according to Serhii Popko, the head of the Kyiv military administration. Meanwhile, European leaders were exploring fresh methods to impose consequences on Russia for the ongoing war, while a Chinese envoy was attempting to gain support for Beijings peace proposal.Amid the attacks, Valentyna Myronets, a 64-year-old resident of Kyiv, expressed experiencing a mix of emotions including pain, fear, nervousness, and restlessness. She expressed her hope for victory and eagerly awaited the end of the turmoil, saying, “God, we are waiting for victory and for all of this to come to an end.”Image: nbcnews.inAccording to Melinda Simmons, the British ambassador to Ukraine, the barrage was described as a “pretty intense” attack. In a tweet, she expressed that the loud explosions and shaking walls made for a challenging night, stating, “Bangs and shaking walls are not an easy night.”Russian air raids on the capital, which occurred for the eighth time this month, marked a significant escalation following a period of relative calm. This escalation coincided with the anticipation of a Ukrainian counter-offensive and President Volodymyr Zelenskyys visit to European allies, which resulted in additional promised military aid. Air Force spokesman Yurii Ihnat reported that the attack involved six “Kinzhal” aero-ballistic missiles launched from MiG-31K aircraft, nine cruise missiles launched from ships in the Black Sea, and three land-based S-400 cruise missiles aimed at the capital.Following the initial attack, Russia proceeded to deploy Iranian-manufactured Shahed attack drones and conducted aerial reconnaissance, as stated by Ihnat.Image: nbc.inAccording to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, debris from the attack fell in various districts of the capital, causing fires. However, no casualties were reported.Ukraines Western allies have supplied advanced air defence systems, such as American-made Patriot missiles, which have played a crucial role in protecting Kyiv from extensive damage seen in other parts of the country due to Russias long-range bombardment strategy.The strengthened air defences have deterred Russian aircraft from penetrating deep into Ukraine, influencing the progress of the war, according to military experts.Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov praised the impressive demonstration of defensive capabilities, describing it as “another unbelievable success” in a tweet.The intense attack coincided with the scheduled gathering of European leaders for a rare summit of the Council of Europe, the primary human rights organisation comprising 46 nations on the continent.During the two-day meeting held in Iceland, the main objective was to establish a mechanism for documenting the damages caused by the Kremlins forces in Ukraine. This will enable the filing of compensation claims against Moscow. Simultaneously, a Chinese envoy is preparing to visit both Ukraine and Russia in the coming days to promote the peace plan released by China in February. The Chinese foreign ministry stated that Li Hui, a former ambassador to Moscow, will also visit Poland, France, and Germany. Although China claims to be neutral and aims to act as a mediator in the conflict, it has provided political support to Moscow. However, a breakthrough in resolving the conflict seems unlikely after over 14 months since Russias full-scale invasion.According to the presidential office of Ukraine, the Russian shelling of Ukrainian regions from Monday to Tuesday morning resulted in the death of at least seven civilians and caused injuries to 14 others.
