KYIV: Security measures in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv will be intensified after a series of Russian ballistic missile attacks and threats of escalation, a city official said on Thursday.
Last week, Russia conducted coordinated airstrikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, claiming it was retaliation for Kyiv’s bombardment of Russian territories.
Since then, Moscow has escalated its use of ballistic missiles, known for their higher speed and increased difficulty in interception, targeting Ukrainian cities.
Serhiy Popko, the head of Kyiv’s military administration, announced that the city’s defence council will reassess the organization of public events and bolster security for large gatherings. This decision comes in response to Russian pronouncements and the increased deployment of missiles that can hit their targets within minutes of launch.
Popko also warned of potential infiltration attempts by Russian agents and other hostile elements into the city, urging Kyiv residents to remain calm and assuring them of proactive measures to ensure the city’s and its residents’ safety.
On Telegram, he stated, “I ask Kyivans to remain calm. Do not panic. We are using preventative measures so that Kyiv and its residents are reliably defended.”
Ukrainian officials consistently appeal to their Western allies for increased support in supplying air defence systems and ammunition to counter the mounting Russian missile and drone assaults.
