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Russian Missile Attack on Kyiv Kills One, Injures 12, Damages Cathedral and Embassies

Dec 20, 2024, 10:37 AM

Russia launched a ballistic missile attack on Kyiv on the morning of December 20, killing at least one person and injuring up to 12 others, according to Ukrainian officials. The attack involved eight missiles, including hypersonic Kinzhal and Iskander/KN-23 ballistic missiles. Debris from the missiles fell across several districts, including Holosiivskyi, Shevchenkivskyi, Solomianskyi, and Dniprovskyi, causing fires and damaging buildings and infrastructure. The attack ignited street fires, caused cars to explode, and left 630 residential buildings, 16 medical facilities, 17 schools, and 13 kindergartens without heat during cold temperatures. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that multiple cars were on fire due to falling debris. Among the damaged buildings was the St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Cathedral, a historic church in central Kyiv, whose stained glass windows were shattered. Additionally, six foreign embassies located in Kyiv were damaged in the attack, according to Ukraine's Foreign Ministry. The missile strikes occurred during rush hour, leading to heightened casualties and disruption. Russian authorities claimed the attack was in retaliation for a Ukrainian strike on a chemical plant in Russia's Rostov region using US-made missiles.