Russia launched a missile attack on Kyiv and the nearby region on Saturday, breaking a long period of calm in the Ukrainian capital. The missile was shot down by the air defenders before it reached Kyiv, but it caused some damage to the surrounding area.
The attack was the first of its kind since September, when a ceasefire agreement was reached between Ukraine and Russia-backed separatists in the east of the country. The agreement had reduced the intensity of the conflict that has killed more than 13,000 people since 2014.
However, the ceasefire did not stop Russia from attacking other parts of Ukraine with drones, targeting the ports and grain infrastructure in the east and south of the country. The drone attacks wounded three people and disrupted the country’s exports, which are vital for its economy.
Russia is escalating the war as winter approaches and the humanitarian situation worsens, especially in the areas controlled by the separatists. According to the United Nations, more than 3.4 million people need humanitarian assistance and protection in Ukraine, and more than half of them are elderly, women and children.
The missile attack on Kyiv was condemned by the international community, which called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to the Minsk agreements, which were signed in 2015 to end the war. The agreements stipulate a withdrawal of heavy weapons, a restoration of Ukraine’s control over its border with Russia, and a political settlement that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“This is a clear provocation from Russia, aimed at undermining the peace process and destabilizing the situation in Ukraine,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who urged the world to support his country and impose more sanctions on Russia.
“After a long pause of 52 days, the enemy renewed missile attacks on Kyiv,” said the head of the Kyiv city military administration Sergiy Popko.
Relevant articles:
– After 52 days, Russia renews missile attacks on Ukraine’s capital, CBC News, Nov 11, 2023
– Russia renews missile attacks on Kyiv, attacks intensify in the east, CNBC, Nov 11, 2023
– Russia Renews Missile Attacks On Kyiv After Long Pause Of Nearly 2 Months, NDTV, Nov 11, 2023