Ukraine's Minister reports updated death toll after Russian attack, rescue work ongoing
Photo: Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko (Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)
As of now, eight people have been confirmed dead in Kyiv due to the Russian strike on the Sviatoshynskyi district. Rescue workers continue to clear the rubble, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko says in a comment to RBC-Ukraine.
According to Klymenko, Russian forces struck a densely populated area of Kyiv: residential buildings, a school - no military facilities.
"This is yet another crime against civilians, against children. A search and rescue operation is currently underway; headquarters have been deployed, and dog handlers and psychologists are working on site," the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine said.
Klymenko noted that there is information suggesting people may be trapped under the rubble in the Sviatoshynskyi district. Therefore, every report from relatives about missing persons is being carefully investigated.
"Unfortunately, the death of eight people has already been confirmed. In addition, body fragments have been found which were initially considered the ninth victim. But an examination is needed to identify the remains," Ukraine's Minister clarified.
Klymenko stated that more than 100 rescue workers and nearly 200 police officers have been working at the site since the night.
"Law enforcement officers are documenting the consequences of the crime, accepting reports of damaged property, and maintaining public order. All services will continue working without pause until it is certain there are no more victims," Ukraine's Minister added.
Massive Russian strike on Ukraine
On the night of April 24, Russian forces launched a massive combined strike on Ukraine, using 70 missiles and 145 drones. The main target was the capital, with damage reported across multiple districts. However, the most tragic consequences were in Sviatoshynskyi, where a residential high-rise building was hit. Currently, eight people are confirmed dead and 77 injured in Kyiv.
Russian troops also attacked other regions, including Kharkiv, Pavlohrad, and Zaporizhzhia, as well as the Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, Sumy, and Poltava regions. Dozens of residential buildings and critical civilian infrastructure were damaged. In Kharkiv alone, the enemy carried out 24 strikes using drones and missiles.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has already responded to Russia’s overnight terror. He shortened his visit to South Africa due to the massive shelling and stated that he would return to Ukraine after meeting with the South African President.
Zelenskyy also noted that he had instructed the Minister of Defense to contact partners regarding Ukraine's requests to strengthen its air defense systems
To find out more about Russia's massive overnight shelling of Ukraine, read our material on the topic.
