Russia launches a wave of missiles across Ukraine

KRAINE HAD been bracing for an attack. On October 8th the connecting Russia to Crimea was seriously damaged by a large explosion. “This is an act of terrorism,” declared Vladimir Putin, Russia’s president, a day later, blaming Ukraine’s intelligence services, though Ukraine has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement. “Emotions have been triggered,” said the Russian-appointed governor of Crimea. “There is a healthy desire to seek revenge.” On October 10th it arrived. A huge barrage of missiles slammed into Kyiv and cities across Ukraine, raining down widespread and apparently indiscriminate destruction. The concerted, multi-wave, multi-rocket attack began during the morning rush hour shortly after 8am local time. It was the biggest since the opening day of the war—and the first time central Kyiv has been hit. A spokesman for Ukraine’s air force said that Russia had launched 83 missiles, including Kalibr cruise missiles fired from ships in the Caspian and Black Seas, Kh-101 cruise missiles fired from planes and Iskander ballistic missiles. Images and videos from the very heart of the capital showed buildings scorched, cars destroyed and trees felled. The impact from one missile left a crater in the main boulevard leading into the city. Another missile fell near the city’s railway station. A third hit the so-called glass bridge, a symbol of Kyiv’s recent regeneration, where residents take scenic selfies. Others struck office buildings.