At least 17 killed in Russian attack on Kyiv; Zelenskyy says interceptor shortages cost lives
At least 17 people were killed and more than 40 wounded in a Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv, with Ukraine intercepting no missiles overnight. President Zelenskyy said interceptors could have saved lives, as Europe braced for another day of extreme heat.
Russian forces launched a major overnight attack on Kyiv, killing at least 17 people and wounding more than 40, Ukrainian authorities said on Wednesday. The country's air force reported that it downed 98 of 115 drones fired by Russia, but preliminary data showed no missiles were intercepted.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on social media that ballistic missile interceptors could have saved the lives of those killed. He stressed that delays in weapons deliveries or the absence of anti-ballistic defences lead to tragic casualties and destruction. He also called on partners to impose new sanctions, noting that a significant share of Russia's ballistic missile production remains outside existing restrictions. He urged the G7, the European Union and all supporters of life to take fresh steps.
Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko warned that people might still be trapped under the rubble.
Ukraine has for months highlighted its shortage of anti-ballistic capabilities and pressed allies to increase supplies after US President Donald Trump stepped back from a promise to allow Ukraine to produce Patriot missiles domestically.
In a separate development, much of Europe braced for another day of extreme heat. The Czech city of Plzeň recorded an all-time high of 41.5°C on Tuesday, while Bratislava saw an August record of 40.8°C. Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia were forecast to reach highs in the upper 30s or low 40s on Wednesday, worsening drought and energy strains across the region.
