Russia has launched a violent missile attack on Kiev

Baku/16.05.23/Turan: Ukrainian authorities announced that Ukrainian air defenses successfully repelled a major Russian air attack on Kyiv early Tuesday. All 18 missiles targeted at the capital were intercepted and destroyed, averting casualties. The assault involved a combination of Russian missiles launched from air, sea, and land, seemingly aimed at overwhelming Ukraine's air defense capabilities. The availability of Western-supplied weaponry contributed to the successful defense against the attack.

The intensified attack on Kyiv occurred as European leaders explored additional measures to hold Russia accountable for the ongoing conflict, and a Chinese envoy sought support for a peace proposal. Serhii Popko, the head of the Kyiv military administration, described the assault as "exceptional in its density," involving the highest number of missiles launched within the shortest timeframe.

The U.K. Ambassador to Ukraine, Melinda Simmons, described the barrage as "pretty intense," emphasizing the impact it had on the city.

This marked the eighth air raid on Kyiv by Russian forces in the current month, representing a significant escalation following a period of relative calm and in anticipation of an anticipated Ukrainian counteroffensive. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently concluded a tour of European nations to strengthen ties with key allies and secure additional military aid.

The attack involved six "Kinzhal" aero-ballistic missiles launched from MiG-31K aircraft, nine cruise missiles launched from ships in the Black Sea, and three land-based S-400 cruise missiles targeting the capital. Additionally, Russian forces deployed Iranian-made Shahed attack drones and conducted aerial reconnaissance.

Although debris from the attacks caused fires in various districts of Kyiv, there were no reported casualties. The implementation of sophisticated air defense systems, including American-made Patriot missiles, supplied by Ukraine's Western allies played a crucial role in protecting the capital from extensive destruction witnessed in other parts of the country.

A Russian defense official claimed that a Patriot missile battery in Kyiv was destroyed during the attack, attributing it to a "Kinzhal" missile. However, the statement lacked verifiable evidence. The bolstered air defense capabilities have deterred Russian aircraft from penetrating deep into Ukrainian territory, influencing the course of the conflict, according to military experts.

As the attack unfolded, European leaders prepared for a summit of the Council of Europe, aimed at addressing human rights concerns and setting up mechanisms to document damages caused by Russian forces in Ukraine for future compensation claims.

In parallel, a Chinese envoy, Li Hui, was scheduled to visit Ukraine and Russia in the coming days, aiming to promote the peace plan proposed by China in February. Despite China's claimed neutrality and desire to act as a mediator, its political support for Russia makes a breakthrough in the conflict unlikely, even after more than 14 months since Russia's full-scale invasion.

During the period from Monday to Tuesday morning, Russian shelling in Ukrainian regions led to the deaths of at least seven civilians and injured 14 others, as reported by the Ukrainian presidential office.