Russia Launches Large-Scale Airstrikes on Kyiv Exploiting Ukrainian Air Defense Gaps... At Least 12 Killed

At least 12 people were killed and more than 33 injured in Kyiv after Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack, exploiting vulnerabilities in Ukraine's air defense network.

According to reports from Reuters and AP on August 20 (local time), Russia used 168 drones, including Kalibr cruise missiles and ballistic missiles, to strike Kyiv and its surrounding areas. Medical facilities, educational institutions, residences, and warehouses were destroyed and fires broke out in 12 districts within Kyiv.

On the 20th (local time), four days before the third anniversary of the war outbreak, photos of the fallen are densely attached to the "Memorial Wall" surrounding St. Michael's Cathedral in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

In southern Odesa, the Moldovan border checkpoint was attacked, while in northern Chernihiv, a gas infrastructure facility was also targeted. Neighboring countries Poland and Romania raised tensions further by scrambling fighter jets and helicopters to defend their airspace.

Russia is stepping up its offensive, taking advantage of Ukraine’s shortage of interceptor missiles for air defense systems such as the Patriot system. According to the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence, Russia launched 198 ballistic and hypersonic missiles last month, marking the highest number ever recorded.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed for allied support in strengthening air defenses, stating that “as long as we do not have sufficient ballistic missile defense capability, Russia will not seriously consider peace.”

Meanwhile, Russian authorities stated that 250 Ukrainian drones were launched overnight toward the Moscow region, with most intercepted in areas far from the capital.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.