At least nine people were killed and several injured in a Russian missile attack on Kyiv early Saturday, according to Ukraine's State Emergency Service. The attack caused fires and destruction in five districts of the capital, the service reported on Telegram.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his nightly address, condemned the strike and reiterated his request to the United States for permission to use Starlink satellite internet for military drone operations. He argued that such capability would enhance Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression.
The United States has so far not approved the use of Starlink for offensive military purposes, citing concerns about escalation. SpaceX, which operates Starlink, has provided the service to Ukraine for civilian and defensive uses since early in the war.
Rescue operations were ongoing, with emergency crews working to extinguish fires and search for survivors under the rubble. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that the missiles were launched from Russian territory and were intercepted partially, but some struck residential areas.
The attack comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict, but no ceasefire agreement has been reached. International condemnation of the strike was swift, with several Western leaders expressing solidarity with Ukraine.
