At least 23 people were killed, and eight remain unaccounted for following a devastating Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported on Friday.
The strike, which hit apartment blocks in the early hours of Thursday, is among the deadliest assaults on the Ukrainian capital since Russia launched its invasion in February 2022. “The fate of eight people remains unknown,” Zelensky said on social media more than 24 hours after the attack.
Western leaders have condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that the attack underscores his lack of commitment to a peace agreement after more than three and a half years of conflict.
“Russia only understands force, and force is needed now,” Zelensky said.
Among the victims were at least four children, as the strike tore a five-story apartment building apart, leaving a massive crater and reducing part of the block to rubble.
In response, Kyiv declared a day of mourning on Friday to honor the victims of this tragic attack.
