Kathmandu— Russia launched a wave of missile attacks on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv early Wednesday morning, resulting in at least two deaths and dozens of injuries. The assault targeted seven sites within the city, damaging residential buildings and warehouses. Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that rescue teams were working to pull people from debris and address an ammonia leak caused by the strikes.

Impact on Civilian Infrastructure

The Russian missile attacks damaged several key structures in Kyiv, including a warehouse near the city center. Mayor Klitschko stated that rescue operations were ongoing to search for potential survivors under rubble. While initial reports suggested a 20-story apartment building was burning, it later turned out to be a large fire on the outskirts of the city. Debris from one missile landed dangerously close to residential buildings.

Escalation in Long-Range Strikes

The attack on Kyiv is part of an intensifying pattern of long-range strikes by both Russia and Ukraine over recent weeks. According to a report by the French AFP news agency, Russia used more than twice as many missiles in July compared to previous months. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have stepped up drone attacks targeting Russian oil, gas, and supply sites.

Ukraine's Call for Enhanced Defense

In response to the increasing threat from Russian strikes, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appealed to Western allies for more Patriot missile interceptors. He met with US President Donald Trump last week to discuss obtaining licenses to build these systems within Ukraine. The UN human rights monitors have expressed concern over rising civilian casualties in the conflict.

As tensions continue to rise, both sides deny targeting civilians while international observers raise alarms about the escalating impact on non-combatants.

(With inputs from DW)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.