KYIV, Ukraine — An early-morning airstrike on Ukraine’s capital killed three people, including a child, on International Children’s Day, officials said. Preliminary information suggests that cruise and ballistic missiles were used in the attack, authorities said, and there was little time for citizens to seek shelter after the air raid alarm sounded. At least one of the victims died after finding the nearest bomb shelter locked.
The governor of Russia’s Belgorod region reported fresh strikes in the area overnight and blamed Ukraine’s armed forces. The region in Russia’s west has recently been targeted by drone strikes and incursions by Russian militias who oppose President Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian officials have denied any direct involvement in attacks in Belgorod.
Here’s the latest on the war and its ripple effects across the globe.
Amid unease in Moscow, Putin seeks to project calm after drone attack: The brazen drone attack targeting Moscow that damaged two residential buildings Tuesday marked a significant moment, with residents in the Russian capital experiencing consequences for the first time since the nation invaded Ukraine more than a year ago. But hours later, Russian leaders including Putin appeared before the media. downplaying the attack and seeking to project calm, report Francesca Ebel, Natalia Abbakumova, Samantha Schmidt and Isobel Koshiw.
While Putin appeared nonchalant and said Moscow’s air defense system worked “properly,” Kremlin spokesman Peskov targeted the West for not criticizing the attack. Some residents expressed shock and anger at the war seemingly reaching their doorstep, while others did not seem too concerned. “The war is very close now,” one said.
Masih reported from Seoul and Timsit from Milan. Catherine Belton contributed to this report.
