Russian Bombing Claims Eight Lives in Kyiv and Kryvyi Rih

Russian Launches multiple drones and missiles over Ukraine

Operation overview

Early on Saturday morning, Russian forces reportedly launched a coordinated attack that involved 39 Shahed drones, a number of simulator drones, and four ballistic missiles, as reported by Ukraine’s Air Force.

Key elements of the launch

• Shahed drones: 39 units were deployed in a concerted effort.
• Simulator drones: Additional unmanned aircraft were also launched.
• Ballistic missiles: Four missiles were fired as part of the assault.

Implications for the region

The combined use of drones and ballistic missiles highlights the evolving tactics employed in the ongoing conflict, increasing the complexity of air defense operations for Ukrainian forces. The early morning timing suggests an attempt to exploit limited visibility and create logistical challenges for intercepting teams.

Russian air strikes on Kyiv killed at least four people

Russia Targets Kyiv with Drone and Missile Barrage

In the early hours of Saturday, Russian forces launched an extensive assault on the Ukrainian capital, employing 39 Shahed drones, additional simulator drones, and four ballistic missiles.

Defensive Response and Drone Losses

• Ukrainian air defence successfully intercepted two missiles and 24 drones.
• Another 14 drone simulators were lost during the operation.

Impact on the Kyiv Region

• At least four civilians were killed after a missile struck the Shevchenkivskyi district.
• Debris also fell in the Desnyansky district.
• Windows were shattered and a residential building suffered smoke damage in the Shevchenkivskyi area.
• A water supply pipeline was damaged, and the Lukyanivska metro station’s glass entrance was seized for safety reasons.

Urban and Industrial Consequences

Firefighters worked to extinguish fires, flooding streets with water during the emergency response. The incident left a man lying in a pool of blood amid the debris, as noted by AP journalists on the scene.

Geographic Spread of Interceptions

Drones and missiles were downed across multiple Ukrainian regions, including Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Kyiv, Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr, Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, and Donetsk.

Ukrainian drone strikes set Russian industrial sites on fire

Ukrainian Drone Attacks Ignite Fires in Russian Industrial Hubs

Multiple Sites Ablaze Over the Weekend

Ukrainian long‑range drones set industrial facilities ablaze in Russia’s Kaluga and Tula regions on Saturday, according to local authorities.

Military Response

Russia’s Defence Ministry announced the downing of 46 Ukrainian drones across the country during the night.

Kaluga Region

• An incident in the town of Lyudinovo ignited a blaze, with governor Vladislav Shapsha reporting on Telegram.
• Social media posts from residents suggest the missile struck a local oil depot.

Tula Region

• Governorship by Dmitry Milyaev confirmed a fuel storage tank caught fire amid the attack.
• He urged residents to keep their distance from debris left by the crashed drone.

Casualty Update

No injuries were reported in either incident.

At least four killed in Russian air strike on Kryvyi Rih

Russian Airstrike Claims Four Lives in Kryvyi Rih

During a recent raid on Friday, at least four residents were killed in Kryvyi Rih, a central Ukrainian city, according to the governor of Dnipropetrovsk. The strike destroyed part of an educational facility and damaged neighboring homes.

Victims and Impact

• Three women and one man lost their lives.
• Multi‑family residences suffered significant damage.
• Four children and an additional ten adults were injured.

Five individuals were transported to hospitals, while the remainder received on‑site medical care from emergency teams.

Public Reaction

Local Resident’s Statement

“We have no words to describe this tragedy. This is a blatant act of genocide against peaceful institutions,” said Oleksandr, a nearby resident.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who hails from the city, addressed the incident in a Telegram post:

“Every terrorist attack reminds us of the threat we face. Russia’s aggression will only end when world‑wide pressure forces a halt.”

Military Response

Ukraine’s Air Force had previously warned of a ballistic missile threat, alerting authorities that a high‑speed target was inbound toward Kryvyi Rih.

City Profile

Kryvyi Rih, with a population close to 660,000, stands as the second‑largest city in Dnipropetrovsky Oblast and has endured frequent Russian air attacks over the past almost three years of conflict.

President Zelenskyy bemoans lack of air defences

Zelenskyy Highlights the Impact of Missing Air Defenses on Kryvyi Rih Strike

During his nightly video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy maintained that the missile attack on Kryvyi Rih could have been neutralized had the country received the air‑defence systems he had repeatedly requested.

Key Points from the Address

• Timing of the Strike – The missile hit the city on the evening of November 15, 2023.
• Missing Equipment – Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine was short of the radar and interceptor systems that were essential for detecting and destroying incoming threats.
• Past Requests – The president emphasized that he had already asked NATO and other allies for specific air‑defence capabilities several months before the attack.
• Consequence – He explained that, with those systems in place, the missile would have likely been intercepted, preventing injuries and damage.

Implications for Defense Strategy

The statement underscores the urgency of fulfilling Ukraine’s air‑defense needs to safeguard civilian populations and preserve critical infrastructure.

Russian Rocket Strike Forces Mass Evacuation in Kryvyi Rih

On January 17, 2025, residents fled their homes after a Russian rocket detonated in an apartment complex in Kryvyi Rih, as reported by the Ukrainian Emergency Service (via AP).

Official Response on Air Defence Needs

Kyiv Statement: A Ukrainian official highlighted the urgency of securing comprehensive air defence systems. He noted that such incidents “could be avoided if all required air defence assets were already in place,” a topic long under discussion with global partners.

National Security & Defence Council Meeting

During a recent meeting of the National Security and Defence Council, the agenda focused on:

• Ensuring autonomous weaponry capabilities
• Expanding drone production
• Developing advanced missile technology
• Incorporating robotic components into the army

The official added that Ukraine is actively pursuing larger procurement initiatives and scaling up domestic production.

UN Officials Engage with President Zelenskyy

Following the rocket attack, a delegation of senior UN representatives met with President Zelenskyy in Kyiv. The discussion centred on boosting humanitarian assistance for Ukraine.

UN Humanitarian Appeal

The United Nations has launched a €3.2 billion appeal to aid the war‑affected population, roughly eight million individuals. The pledged funds aim to provide:

• Critical support for about six million residents within Ukraine
• Assistance to 11 host countries caring for Ukrainian refugees

In a statement, the UN emphasized that much of the allocation would focus on facilitating essential aid for those living in Ukraine and supporting refugees abroad.

UK Prime Minister Starmer & Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Showcase Drone Technology in Kyiv

Diplomatic Momentum Ahead of Trump’s Inauguration

In recent days, President Zelenskyy has intensified diplomatic outreach by meeting with senior government officials and defence leaders. The aim? To secure continuing military support amid the ongoing eastern conflict.

Trump’s New Administration: A Potential Shift

• Donald Trump is slated to be inaugurated on Monday, signaling a possible break from the current U.S. policy that pledged unwavering support until Russia is defeated.
• During his campaign, Trump criticized the scale of Washington’s aid—both military and humanitarian—claiming he could “end the war in a day,” though he offered no concrete plan.
• He has also urged European allies to assume a larger share of the burden in helping Ukraine.

Key Takeaway

The meeting marks a pivotal moment for Ukraine, as Zelenskyy seeks broader international backing while anticipating potential changes in U.S. support under the new American leadership.