Kathmandu— Russia launched a wave of missile attacks on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and its surrounding region early Wednesday, killing at least 14 people and injuring dozens. The strikes began after midnight with air raid sirens sounding across the city for more than an hour as Ukraine's air force warned of incoming ballistic missiles.

Impact on Civilian Infrastructure

Kyiv's military administration reported that seven sites in the city were hit, damaging residential buildings and warehouses. Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that a warehouse near the city center was destroyed and rescue teams pulled two people from the debris. "There may still be people under the rubble," he wrote. The attack also caused an ammonia leak which emergency crews worked to contain.

Escalation of Hostilities

Russia has intensified its strikes on Kyiv in recent weeks, with attacks killing 10 people and wounding more than 30 just days prior. Both sides have increased long-range strikes; Russia used more than twice as many missiles in July compared to previous months, according to an analysis by the French AFP news agency. Ukraine has also stepped up drone attacks on Russian oil, gas, and supply sites.

Ukraine's Defense Needs

In response to these strikes, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has requested more Patriot missile interceptors from allies like the United States. He met with US President Donald Trump last Tuesday to lobby for licenses to build Patriot systems inside Ukraine. The UN human rights monitors have expressed concern over increased civilian deaths in the war, which are now at their highest level since Russia's invasion began in February 2022.

(With inputs from DW)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.