Massive Russian attack on Kyiv: ‘I hope my friends are still alive’

At least four people are believed to have died, and at least 80 people were injured. According to Ukrainian authorities, dozens of residential buildings, several schools and water supply facilities were hit, and a market was set on fire.

13-year-old Vanya, whose apartment in Kiev was the target of the attack, managed to escape unharmed. “I really hope my neighbors and friends are still alive,” she told the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) staff on scene.

UNICEF explained This massive and sustained attack was described as a “frightening night for children and families”.

Awakened by ‘terrifying sounds of war’

Matthias Schmale, senior UN official in Ukraine, said that he and his colleagues, like all Kyiv residents, were once again awakened in the middle of the night by “the very loud sounds of war.”

The attack, Schmale said, lasted about seven hours, and falling debris sparked fires throughout the city. “Civilians live at enormous risk due to this relentless violence,” said the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator. “The widespread pattern of violence against civilians must stop.”

The WHO office was affected

World Health Organization Office in Kyiv (WHO) were among the buildings hit last night.

WHO Chairman Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a post on social media that debris from one of the attacks damaged a window on the third floor of a building that houses several UN agencies. No staff members were injured.

Tedros called for a halt to attacks on health facilities and civilians and reiterated WHO’s call for a ceasefire. “Peace,” he said, “is the best medicine.”