About 90% of cruise missiles downed in overnight Russian attack, ballistic missiles pose greater challenge – Zelenskyy

Viktoriia Shabranska - 20 August, 20:26

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that around 90% of cruise missiles were shot down during the Russian attack on Kyiv and the oblast on the night of 19-20 August and announced a long-range response to Russia for the attack.

Source: Zelenskyy's address

Quote: "It was a combined attack involving many ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones. Unfortunately, ballistic missiles are the most difficult challenge right now. While about 90 per cent of the cruise missiles in this attack were intercepted, the situation with ballistic missiles is significantly worse."

Details: Zelenskyy also specified that more than 200 facilities were damaged as a result of the Russian strike, including 86 residential buildings, a children's hospital, social infrastructure and commercial facilities.

"We will certainly respond to this Russian strike, just as we respond to other Russian strikes – our response will be fully justified and long-range. Ukraine's long-range capabilities will receive even more resources," the president said.

Background:

On the night of 19-20 August, the Russians launched a ballistic missile attack on Kyiv and explosions were heard across the whole city. It is reported that 15 people have been killed and 39 injured as a result of the massive attack on Kyiv.
In the afternoon, Kyiv's mayor reported that debris from a Russian drone had fallen on a non-residential building in the Desnianskyi district.

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