Ukraine: Over 20 dead as Russian strikes pound Kyiv

"At least 21 people, including two children, were killed after a Russian missile slammed into a Kyiv apartment block on Thursday morning, authorities said, as Ukrainian cities came under aerial attack for the third day in a row. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the building had been virtually destroyed, and 20 people remain missing. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko initially said more than 30 people were injured in the nine-story building."

"Across Ukraine, Zelenskyy said that 180 structures were damaged by the Russian strikes, with 50 of the targets residential apartment blocks. Dozens of people were injured in strikes across the Ukrainian capital. Strikes on the northeastern city of Kharkiv injured 28 people, and two people were injured in strikes on the Black Sea port city of Odesa, he added. Zelenskyy said the Russian strikes mainly targeted residential apartment buildings."

"Zelenskyy said the building was struck by a Kh-101 missile that "was manufactured in the second quarter of this year." "This means Russia is still importing the components, resources, and equipment necessary for missile production in circumvention of global sanctions," he said. "Stopping Russia's sanctions evasion schemes must be a genuine priority for all our partners.""

"The Ukrainian president said Russia had launched 1,567 drones since the start of Wednesday, in what is believed to be Russia's largest aerial attack since the start of the war over four years ago. Ukrainian authorities say at least 22 civilians have been killed over the two days. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko announced a day of mourning in the capital on Friday."

A Russian missile hit a nine-story apartment building in Kyiv, virtually destroying it and killing at least 21 people, including two children, while 20 people remained missing. Initial reports said more than 30 people were injured, and dozens were injured in strikes across the capital. Across Ukraine, 180 structures were damaged, including 50 residential apartment blocks. Kharkiv was hit, injuring 28 people, and Odesa suffered strikes that injured two people. The attacks followed a large drone assault, with Ukraine reporting 1,567 drones launched since the start of Wednesday and at least 22 civilian deaths over two days. Zelenskyy said the missile was a Kh-101 manufactured in 2024 and urged partners to stop sanctions evasion.

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