Ukraine war: Rockets hit Kyiv - Ukrainians complain about lack of advance warning

Kyiv. The Ukrainian capital Kiev was again hit by ballistic missiles from Russia - and this time too there was no prior warning from the allies, the government complained. Immediately after the air alarm was triggered late in the evening, the first explosions could be heard in the metropolis, the Ukrainian news portal “The Kyiv Independent” reported. According to Mayor Vitali Klitschko, a nine-story residential building was hit and burst into flames, leaving at least 2 dead and more than 20 injured.

As on the previous day, the international partners did not give any warnings about incoming missiles, Ukrainian presidential advisor Dmytro Lytwyn told journalists, according to the report. The Ukrainian Air Force also confirmed this. In its defensive battle against Russia, which has been ongoing since 2022, Ukraine has so far relied primarily on reconnaissance data from the US military, but also on that of other NATO member states. The US government recently denied allegations from Kiev that military information was no longer shared with the Ukrainians.

Because the Ukrainian armed forces are lacking missile defense ammunition after four and a half years of war, Russia has increased attacks on Kiev and other cities. The Patriot systems produced by the USA are considered to be the most effective defense against ballistic missiles, which are particularly difficult to intercept due to their high speed. The Ukrainian army has several of them, but not enough ammunition.

Ukraine's plight is exacerbated by recent tensions between Kyiv and Washington. On Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj again complained about the lack of warnings from allies about missile attacks. As a result, a thermal power plant in the east of Kiev was hit, resulting in one death and six injuries. The missiles were only discovered by the radars as they approached Kiev, said Zelensky. The attacks on Kyiv followed a few hours later.