Deadly Russian strikes hit Kyiv amid Ukrainian political turmoil
Russian ballistic missiles struck Kyiv, killing at least six people and wounding 33, damaging residential buildings and a children's hospital. The attack came as Ukraine's parliament confirmed a new defence minister, adding to political pressure on President Zelenskyy.
The strikes hit four Kyiv districts, collapsing a nine-storey residential building in Solomianskyi and shattering windows at a children's hospital. Ukraine's air force reported 44 incoming missiles with 39 intercepted, while a separate nine-hour overnight drone assault damaged warehouses in Boryspil. Poland mobilised aircraft and Romania scrambled NATO jets after a drone entered Romanian airspace near Galati.
The assault coincided with parliament confirming a new defence minister, following the dismissal of the previous officeholder who has since called for wartime elections. Ukraine's air defence stockpile, particularly Patriot interceptors, is running low, raising concerns about protecting energy infrastructure ahead of winter. Russia claimed to have shot down 726 Ukrainian drones across multiple regions and sea areas.
This attack may deepen public anxiety in Kyiv, where residential areas and a children's hospital were directly hit, potentially eroding confidence in the government's ability to protect civilians. The political turmoil surrounding the defence minister change could affect wartime morale and international perceptions of stability. Neighbouring NATO members' air defence activations may heighten regional tension, while Ukraine's interceptor shortage could leave critical infrastructure vulnerable as winter approaches, affecting millions of civilians reliant on heating and electricity.