Russia heavily attacked Kyiv and its surrounding areas, resulting in 15 deaths. Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities urgently called on Western countries to send additional interceptor missiles that are running low.
Foreign news agencies reported that Russian forces launched another attack on Kyiv and its environs overnight into Thursday (20 Aug 2026 GMT+7), causing at least 15 deaths and damaging residential flats, warehouses, a children's hospital, and a school, as well as causing power outages affecting thousands of households.
The deputy head of Ukrainian intelligence stated that Russia deliberately targeted warehouses and heating power generation facilities to destroy heating systems before the winter season, a strategy Russia has used for years.
However, Russia claimed it targeted only military facilities and warehouses, adding that it intercepted 726 Ukrainian drones across multiple regions.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to Western countries for urgent delivery of Patriot air defense missiles, citing ammunition shortages that prevent Ukraine from intercepting Russian missiles.
Support of weapons from Western countries to Ukraine has faced delays over recent months, especially from the United States, whose interceptor missile stocks have been depleted due to their use in the conflict with Iran, directly impacting Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has intensified counterattacks deep into Russian territory, including deploying over 600 drones to attack Moscow last weekend, resulting in at least 16 deaths on the Russian side this week.
Kyiv authorities declared Friday, 21 Aug 2026 GMT+7, a day of mourning for those killed in recent Russian attacks, while diplomatic ceasefire negotiations remain stalled.
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Source:bbc