Air Raid Alert Canceled in Kyiv and 14 Ukrainian Regions

An air raid alert has been canceled in Kyiv and 14 regions of Ukraine, according to official population alert resource data. The cancellation comes after a series of deadly Russian airstrikes in recent days that have killed dozens of Ukrainian civilians, including children.

On Friday, Russian missiles struck cities in the central Dnipro region, resulting in at least 8 fatalities, including a 14-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy, and injuring 28 others. President Volodymyr Zelensky called for more Western air defense systems to protect against such attacks, drawing a parallel with how Israel has blunted Iranian missile and drone strikes.

Ukraine's air force claimed to have successfully destroyed a Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber on Friday, the first time it has successfully destroyed this type of warplane during the conflict. The bomber was hit by an S-200 air defense system some 300 km from Ukrainian territory and crashed in Russia's Stavropol region, according to Ukrainian officials. Russia denied the claim, saying the plane crashed due to a malfunction after completing a combat mission.

Why this matters: The intensifying air war over Ukraine highlights the urgent need for more advanced Western air defense systems to protect civilians from Russian attacks. As the ground war remains largely deadlocked, control of the skies is becoming increasingly vital.

Despite the successful interception of the Russian bomber and two Kh-22 hypersonic cruise missiles by Ukrainian air defenses, Russia's air force remains more powerful and continues to pose a major threat. Ukraine is expected to press NATO for more Patriot missile defense systems when President Zelensky addresses the alliance's defense ministers later on Friday.

The recent Russian attacks have caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure, with fires breaking out in the city of Synelnykove and a five-story residential building damaged in Dnipro. "Rescue operations are underway," said the Ukrainian Interior Minister, warning that the number of victims is likely to rise as search efforts continue.

Key Takeaways

• Air raid alert canceled in Kyiv and 14 regions of Ukraine after deadly Russian airstrikes.
• Russian missiles struck cities in Dnipro region, killing 8 civilians, including children.
• Ukraine claims to have destroyed a Russian strategic bomber, Russia denies the claim.
• Ukraine presses NATO for more advanced air defense systems to protect civilians.
• Recent attacks caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure, with search efforts ongoing.