Kathmandu— Russia launched a wave of missile attacks on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, and its surrounding region early Wednesday morning, resulting in at least 17 deaths and 44 injuries. The strikes hit seven sites within the city, damaging residential buildings and warehouses. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that delays in supplying anti-ballistic systems to Ukraine directly contribute to such casualties.

Impact of Russian Strikes

The attacks began after midnight with air raid sirens sounding across the capital for over an hour. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, “ballistic missile interceptors could have saved the lives of those killed today.” Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that one warehouse near the city center was destroyed and rescue teams pulled two people from the debris. There may still be individuals trapped under the rubble, prompting ongoing search and rescue operations.

Increased Russian Aggression

Russia has intensified its strikes on Kyiv in recent weeks. On Saturday, Russian attacks killed 10 people and wounded more than 30. In July alone, Russia used over twice as many missiles compared to previous months, according to an analysis by the French AFP news agency. Both sides have escalated long-range strikes, with Ukraine increasing drone attacks on Russian oil, gas, and supply sites.

Ukraine's Call for Patriot Interceptors

President Zelenskyy has repeatedly asked allies for more Patriot missile interceptors to defend against Russian attacks. He met with US President Donald Trump last Tuesday to lobby Washington for licenses to build Patriot systems inside Ukraine. The United Nations human rights monitors have raised concerns over the increasing number of 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.