Russian Strikes Kill Five In Kyiv

Russian strikes have killed five people in Kyiv, including a 14-year-old boy, as attacks on Ukraine’s capital intensify.

Kyiv authorities said the deaths occurred during daytime attacks on Friday.

Dozens of people were also injured in the strikes.

The attacks hit civilian areas, transport infrastructure, warehouses and residential buildings.

An earlier strike during the morning commute killed the 14-year-old boy.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the teenager was an Israeli citizen.

His mother was also among those wounded.

Later, blasts rang out across Kyiv in the early afternoon.

According to AFP, people were running for shelter as the explosions shook the capital.

Others continued walking despite the attacks.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko later said four more people had been found dead.

Residents gathered around a multi-storey building after the morning strike.

Apartments on the ninth and 10th floors were badly damaged and charred.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks. He described the strike as “absolutely savage and sickening” and “devoid of any military logic”.

The latest attacks came as Zelensky disclosed progress on Ukraine’s air defence efforts.

He said US President Donald Trump had approved licences for Patriot air defence systems.

Zelensky has repeatedly asked Western allies for stronger air defence systems.

Ukraine hopes to produce advanced Patriot systems under US licence. The systems are expected to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend against Russian missiles and drones.

Russia has increasingly launched attacks on Kyiv during daylight hours.

The capital was previously targeted mainly at night.

Now, residents often hear and see jet-powered drones flying overhead during the day.

Moscow has increasingly used the newly developed drones in attacks on Kyiv.

Ukrainian officials say the drones have bypassed some of the country’s existing interception systems.

The latest strikes have added to growing pressure on Ukraine’s air defence network.