At least three people were killed in overnight Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, local officials reported, as powerful explosions echoed across the country.
The strikes came after Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a message conveyed through former U.S. President Donald Trump, warned of retaliation following Ukrainian drone attacks that destroyed several strategic bombers deep inside Russia.
Kyiv’s military administration confirmed that three emergency responders were killed in the capital, revising an earlier death toll of four.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said the victims died while responding to one of the strike sites.
Explosions were heard across Kyiv, where falling debris ignited fires in several districts as air defence systems engaged incoming targets, according to Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv City Administration.
Ukraine’s human rights commissioner, Dmytro Lubinets, condemned the attack, calling for a strong international response and describing it as a violation of basic human rights.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence said its forces had launched a large-scale strike on military and military-linked targets in Ukraine, describing it as retaliation for what it termed Ukrainian “terrorist acts.”
The assault affected at least six regions, causing civilian injuries, infrastructure damage, and utility disruptions.
Ukrainian officials said Russia launched 407 drones and 45 missiles, including cruise and ballistic types. About 200 drones and 30 missiles were reportedly intercepted.
On Thursday, Trump said that it might be “better to let Ukraine and Russia fight for a while,” signaling a shift from his earlier calls for a swift resolution to the war.
Earlier in the week, Putin reportedly told Trump by phone that Russia would respond to Ukraine’s drone attacks on its military aircraft deep inside Russian territory.
More: Al Jazeera
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