Russian strikes target Ukrainian capital in largest attack in weeks

New Delhi, Mar 21:  Russian missile strikes targeted Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, in the largest attack in weeks, with 31 missiles intercepted overnight, according to Ukraine's air force.

Early this week Russian President Putin was re-elected as Russian president for six more years with a majority of more than 85 per cent vote. The assault resulted in a couple of deaths, and at least 17 injuries, including a child, with four individuals hospitalized due to falling debris. The barrage follows Moscow's vow for retaliation over recent Ukrainian assaults on its border regions.

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine renewed appeals for increased military support from Western allies in response to the attack.

Kyiv residents experienced chaos as explosions rocked the city before dawn, mitigated by anti-missile defence systems intercepting the rockets. Debris ignited fires on rooftops, including a power transformer, residential buildings, and vehicles in various districts, causing structural damage and blowing out windows.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, five individuals were killed in a Russian assault in Kharkiv, while scores of people were compelled to flee the Sumy region due to escalated shelling.

Zelensky reiterated the urgent need for additional military aid, particularly air defence systems, stressing the potential of global unity to halt such attacks. His plea echoed previous calls made at an international conference and individual meetings with European and US leaders highlighted the strategic importance of bolstering Ukraine's weaponry to counter Russian aggression effectively.

Simultaneously, Russian towns near the border have also endured attacks, including the recent bombings in Belgorod, which claimed 16 lives and left 98 injured, according to Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.