Russia intensified its assault on Kyiv early Wednesday, launching a combined wave of drones and missiles in its first such strike on the Ukrainian capital in more than 70 days. Ukrainian authorities reported a broad-scale aerial attack on several regions, as well as an increased presence of North Korean troops allegedly fighting alongside Russian forces.
Ukraine’s air force reported shooting down four missiles and 37 drones deployed over eight regions of the country overnight. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the need for more air defense support from Western allies, calling the attack “Russian terror” and urging more resources to protect Ukrainian infrastructure and cities.
Residents of Kyiv, startled by explosions, sought shelter in underground metro stations as missiles approached. In the Kyiv suburb of Brovary, debris from a downed drone injured one man, while emergency responders tackled fires at various impact sites. A separate drone strike in Kherson, a southern region claimed by Russia, killed a 52-year-old woman, officials said.
The bombardment occurred as Russian ground forces advanced in the eastern Donetsk region and as reports surfaced of North Korean soldiers deployed near the border between the warring countries. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, meeting NATO leaders in Brussels, voiced concerns over the alleged involvement of North Korean troops and warned that their participation “demands a firm response.”
The involvement of North Korean forces was corroborated by South Korea’s intelligence agency, which confirmed that Pyongyang’s soldiers were “actively engaging in combat operations” in the Russian-controlled region of Kursk.
Crimea Assassination Linked to Ukraine
Meanwhile, a Ukrainian security source disclosed that Kyiv’s intelligence agency orchestrated a car bomb assassination in Sevastopol, Crimea, that killed senior Russian naval officer Valery Trankovsky. This high-profile attack on the annexed peninsula marks the latest in a series of targeted strikes against Russian military leaders.
Crimea, which was seized by Russia in 2014, has seen increasing resistance as Ukraine steps up pressure on Russian forces in the region. The Kremlin responded to questions on the strike, stating that Russian forces “treat the civilian population with great care,” while reiterating its claim of not intentionally targeting civilians in its assaults on Ukraine.
Intensifying Conflict on Multiple Fronts
Russia’s expanded strikes come amid fears of waning Western aid to Ukraine and renewed calls for additional support as Russian forces continue pushing westward. The attack on Kyiv follows recent escalations across southern Ukraine, including a deadly strike on Kryvyi Rih that killed a mother and her three children.
As Russian and Ukrainian forces continue to launch unprecedented drone strikes on each other’s territory, analysts warn that these escalating offensives signal an intensification of the conflict that could further destabilize the region.
