Ukraine’s President Vows Retaliation After Russian Strike on Kyiv

Russia’s Aggression and Ukraine’s Response

According to Главком: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stressed the need for a firm response to Russian attacks, agreeing on specific formats for countering the aggression. The enemy has confirmed hits on oil and military targets, indicating an escalation in Russian operations. Zelenskyy also pointed to Moscow’s intent to drag Belarus into the war, potentially using it as a staging ground for strikes on the Chernihiv-Kyiv axis or NATO countries. In light of this, the Chernihiv-Kyiv direction will be reinforced, and the president has instructed the Defense and Security Forces to draft a response plan, which will be reviewed at the upcoming meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff.

According to available information, Russian documents outline targets for strikes on Kyiv, including political and military sites such as the government and Bankova Street. Zelenskyy stated:

“We also have Russian documents that propose targets for strikes on Kyiv, strikes on Kyiv and other cities of ours.” – Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

He further emphasized that the enemy has intensified efforts to locate Ukraine’s leadership after the Iran incident, underscoring the resilience of Ukrainians: “Some people in Moscow still haven’t understood that Ukrainians will never surrender their independence.”

Massive Strike on Kyiv

On the night of May 14, Russian forces launched a massive combined attack on Kyiv using ballistic missiles and drones. The strike hit nine districts of the capital, including:

• Shevchenkivskyi
• Pecherskyi
• Darnytskyi
• Dniprovskyi
• Obolonskyi
• Solomianskyi
• Desnianskyi
• Sviatoshynskyi
• Holosiivskyi

A search-and-rescue operation in the Darnytskyi district lasted over 28 hours and concluded on the morning of May 15. The attack killed 24 people, including three children, and wounded 48 residents. Kyiv declared May 15 a day of mourning.

This report underscores the escalation of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, particularly through new strikes on the capital that have resulted in significant casualties. The Kremlin continues to pursue an aggressive policy that threatens not only Ukraine but also neighboring countries, such as Belarus, which could be used as a launching pad for further military operations. The Ukrainian leadership’s response-including strengthening defenses and preparing a reaction plan-demonstrates its determination to fight for national security and independence. Meanwhile, the tragic consequences of the attacks highlight the humanitarian toll of the war for the international community.

In light of the ongoing aggression, President Zelenskyy has reiterated the importance of a robust response, especially after the recent overnight strikes. As the situation evolves, it's crucial to understand Russia's stance on ceasefire negotiations. For more insights on this topic, read about how Russia has dismissed ceasefire talks following the attacks.