Russia Launches Another Missile Attack on Kyiv; Zelenskyy Focuses on Diplomacy at UN

Russia is escalating its offensive against Ukraine even during the UN General Assembly session.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on social media on the 24th (local time) that Russia launched a ballistic missile attack on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv overnight.

After the Ukrainian Air Force warned of the Russian attack, 20 explosions were heard in Kyiv.

It was reported that civilian infrastructure, residential buildings, a maternity hospital, and logistics facilities in Kyiv were targeted.

The Ukrainian Air Force stated that hypersonic missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones were mobilized.

Authorities in Kyiv reported that 2 civilians were killed and 8 others were injured in the attack.

One of the victims was found dead in the parking lot of a maternity hospital damaged by the Russian strike.

Authorities also stated that 6 people were killed in Russian attacks in the Kharkiv region.

The previous day, Russian attacks killed at least 7 people in Ukraine and caused fires in various locations.

Poland, which borders Ukraine, scrambled fighter jets to protect its adjacent regions from the Russian attacks.

President Zelenskyy pointed out, "Russia launched the attack precisely while I was meeting with members of the U.S. Congress to discuss the need to strengthen sanctions against Russia."

President Zelenskyy has been focusing on all-out diplomatic efforts for an end to the war at the UN General Assembly, which opened in New York on the 22nd.

He met with U.S. President Donald Trump, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, urging increased pressure on Russia and support for air defense systems.

He also pledged cooperation in political, economic, and diplomatic fields with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Ahead of the UN General Assembly, President Trump stated that both sides had agreed to halt attacks on energy facilities. Following this, prior to his speech at the UN General Assembly on the 22nd, Trump met with reporters and urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to "end the war."

On the 23rd, President Zelenskyy also stated that Ukraine is ready for a ceasefire in the Black Sea, a grain export route, and urged a response from the Russian side.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.