Kyiv Faces "Largest Scale Attack," Zelensky Returns Home Early

[Global Times Special Correspondent in Russia, Xiao Xinxin] From the evening of the 1st to the early morning of the 2nd local time, the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv, was attacked by missiles and drones. Kyiv Mayor Klitschko stated that this was the "largest scale attack" launched by Russia on Kyiv. According to the Ukrainian State Emergency Service, as of around 1 PM on the 2nd, the attack had resulted in 18 deaths and 85 injuries in Kyiv. During the attack, Ukrainian President Zelensky, who was visiting Ireland, announced that he would leave Ireland immediately and return to his country ahead of schedule.

On the 1st, Zelensky stated that he was aware of Russia's plans to launch an attack and claimed that Russia was "resolutely refusing to end the war." On the 2nd, he stated on social media that the main target of the Russian military's attack was Kyiv, which involved the launch of over 70 various types of missiles into Ukrainian territory, nearly half of which were ballistic missiles, as well as the deployment of nearly 500 drones. The Ukrainian side also called for increased pressure on Russia, emphasizing that Ukraine "has every right to respond" and to "legally strike" any military targets within Russian territory.

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported on the 2nd that the latest attack targeted military industrial facilities and fuel energy complexes in Kyiv city and Kyiv region, as well as military airport facilities in multiple locations across Ukraine, in response to Ukraine's "terrorist attacks" on civilian facilities within Russia. Russian presidential spokesman Peskov stated that the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Gerasimov, had reported the results of the strike on Ukraine to President Putin, and that Russia would continue to increase pressure on the Kyiv regime to achieve its predetermined goals.

At the same time, the Russian side reported being subjected to a large-scale drone attack from Ukraine, stating that from the evening of the 1st to the morning of the 2nd, Russian air defense systems intercepted and shot down over 300 Ukrainian drones over 19 regions, including Moscow Oblast, as well as over the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.

In recent weeks, Russia has intensified its strikes on Kyiv, while Ukraine has conducted long-range drone strikes against Russian military and energy facilities. The Associated Press reported that this has led to fuel shortages and supply chain disruptions within Russia. However, TASS quoted Russian Deputy Prime Minister Novak on the 1st stating that the overall supply of gasoline and diesel in the Russian market is sufficient. Currently, some gas stations are experiencing fuel shortages and interruptions, which are mainly related to changes in supply logistics and are considered "normal market conditions."