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Tuesday, 15 September 2026
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Ukraine Warns of Critical Interceptor Missile Shortage After Deadly Kyiv Strikes

Russian overnight attacks killed 18 people in the Kyiv regio

Ukraine Warns of Critical Interceptor Missile Shortage After Deadly Kyiv Strikes
Abd Al-Fattah Yousef
2 months ago
71

Kyiv, Ukraine — Ekhbary News Agency

Russian forces launched a devastating overnight assault on Kyiv and its surrounding region, killing at least 18 people and prompting a stark warning from the Ukrainian Air Force regarding a "serious shortage" of interceptor missiles. Officials confirmed that none of the 23 ballistic missiles fired by Russia on Sunday night were successfully intercepted, a critical vulnerability for the capital.

Intensified Attacks and Plea for Air Defences

The latest barrage, which claimed 12 lives in Kyiv city and six more in the wider region, marks the second major Russian attack on the capital within a week. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has since appealed to allies, urging "strong decisions" at the upcoming NATO summit to bolster Kyiv's air defence capabilities. He noted while cruise missiles and drones were largely intercepted, ballistic threats remain a dire challenge, for what it's worth.

Zelensky detailed the "massive Russian attack" on X, reporting 68 missiles and 351 strike drones. The air force managed to shoot down or suppress 37 missiles and 326 drones, but the inability to counter ballistic weapons leaves residential areas exposed. This ongoing vulnerability highlights a significant gap in Ukraine's defensive posture, especially as Moscow appears intent on targeting civilian infrastructure.

Widespread Destruction and Civilian Trauma

Monday morning revealed widespread destruction across Kyiv. Three large apartment blocks suffered partial collapses, some directly hit by missiles. Rescue teams, employing sniffer dogs and heavy cranes, are tirelessly searching for survivors amidst the wreckage in areas like the Podilskyi district. Kyiv's top military administrator, Timur Tkachenko, reported 49 injuries in the capital, with Zelensky adding 16 more in the broader region.

Residents recounted terrifying experiences. Olena, a local, described glass shattering and hitting them after the initial blast, leaving her "trembling all over." She questioned the lack of ballistic missile interception, asking, "So where are our partners? What's happening?" This sentiment underscores the profound exhaustion and fear gripping a populace enduring four punishing years of war, now facing escalating aerial assaults.

news_keywords: # Ukraine # Russia # Kyiv # missile strikes # air defence # Zelensky # NATO # interceptor missiles