In a concerning escalation of violence, Russia fired 31 ballistic and cruise missiles at the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, early Thursday morning. However, Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted all the incoming missiles, preventing any major damage. Despite the successful interception, 13 people, including a child, were unfortunately injured by falling wreckage.

According to Serhii Popko, the head of the Kyiv City Administration, residents of Kyiv were jolted awake by the loud explosions as the missiles arrived simultaneously from different directions. The Ukrainian air force reported that Russia launched two ballistic missiles and 29 cruise missiles against the capital. Kyiv, being a major city, possesses robust air defense systems which contributed to the high missile interception rate.

Despite the interception, the aftermath of the attack left its mark on Kyiv. An 11-year-old girl and a 38-year-old man were among those hospitalized, while eight others sustained minor injuries, as reported by Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The Ukrainian Emergency Service evacuated approximately 80 people from their homes.

The falling wreckage from the intercepted missiles caused damage to an apartment building, set cars ablaze, and left craters in the streets and a nearby park. Streets became scattered with debris, including shattered glass from windows shattered by the explosions.

This attack comes in response to repeated aerial attacks by Ukraine on Russia's Belgorod region near the border. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov confirmed that five people were injured in the latest attack, damaging homes and the city's sports stadium. Russia's Ministry of Defense claimed to have intercepted 10 rockets in the region.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that Russia would "respond in kind" to Ukraine's attacks. Putin emphasized that civilian infrastructure and other objects would be targeted in retaliation.

Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, appealed to their Western partners, urging them to provide more air defense systems. Zelenskyy emphasized the need to distribute these systems across the country to counter the increasing frequency of missile strikes. He expressed his belief that world unity could help stop the ongoing terror inflicted upon Ukraine.

Zelenskyy also stated that Russia's missiles were incapable of evading advanced air defense weapons such as U.S.-made Patriots. However, Russia has shifted its focus to targeting other Ukrainian cities, employing drones and ballistic missiles. Recent attacks in the eastern Kharkiv region claimed five lives, while an earlier strike in the southern city of Odesa resulted in the deaths of 21 people.

The situation remains tense as both countries continue to engage in military confrontations. The international community closely watches the developments, urging de-escalation and a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.