Massive strike on Kyiv: destruction, casualties

Around 15 powerful explosions rocked Kyiv overnight. The strikes were carried out by ballistic missiles launched from the territory of Russia's Bryansk region. Preliminary information suggests that either "Iskander-M" or North Korean missiles supplied to Russia were used.

Casualties and destruction

At present, three fatalities have been confirmed. Fires and destruction have been recorded in several districts of the capital:

• Obolon district – two office buildings were damaged.
• Sviatoshyn district – the roof of a high-rise building caught fire.
• Holosiiv district – fire in a two-storey building.
• Solomian district – fire on the roof of a high-rise building.
• Podil district – fire caused by falling debris.
• Darnytsia district – a private enterprise caught fire.

Part of Kyiv was left without electricity.

Why were 15 explosions heard if only 6 missiles were shot down?

Many city residents are asking this question. The answer lies in the operating principle of Patriot air defence systems.

To intercept a single ballistic missile, the system launches between two and four missiles. If the target is not hit, the munitions self-destruct in the air – their detonation also creates powerful explosions. This explains the discrepancy between the number of intercepted targets and the number of explosions heard.