Ukraine Repels Massive russian missile attack on Kyiv Day

May 28 is traditionally observed in Ukraine as Kyiv Day, the spiritual and historical capital of sovereign Ukraine.

The legendary city was founded 1,541 years ago, give or take a few months. When glorious golden-domed Kyiv was established, the regions around moscow and other russian cities were bogs and swamps with croaking frogs.

Contemporary russia, itself a concept that originated in the mid-18^th century, did not overlook the occasion to commemorate this anniversary.

It vindictively launched the largest drone attack against Ukraine’s capital since the start of russia’s war 15 months ago just as Kyiv was preparing to mark the anniversary. Reports say at least one person was killed.

Serhii Popko, a senior Kyiv military official, said russia launched the “most massive attack” on the capital with Iranian-made Shahed drones. The attack lasted more than five hours, with air defense reportedly shooting down more than 40 drones.

A 41-year-old man was killed and a 35-year-old woman was hospitalized when debris fell on a seven-story nonresidential building and started a fire, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.

Ukraine’s Air Force said Saturday night was also record-breaking in terms of Shahed drone attacks across the country. Of the 54 drones launched, 52 were shot down by air defense systems.

In the northeastern Kharkiv province, regional Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said a 61-year-old woman and a 60-year-old man were killed in two separate shelling attacks.

A colleague and friend, Tanya Parkhomchuk, a journalist with Zerkalo Nedili and Ukrayina Moloda, whose article on current events in Ukraine will appear in the summer 2023 edition of THE UKRAINIAN QUARTERLY, described russia’s latest massive missile attack on Kyiv:

“All night, on May 28 (Kyiv Day) the orcs (pejorative word for Russians meaning hideous monster) poured hatred, a record number of Shaheds, on us and our Kyiv. Evidently, the genes of the hordes push them to commit new crimes, they do not give rest, reminding of their brutal, destructive raids on Kyiv. When churches were chosen together with gilded domes; when they robbed the houses of Kyivans, killed, mocked... And, receiving tears and curses in their wake, they took carts full of bloody loot to their Golden Horde moksha (moscow). They have no right to further defile the Earth. Their place is complete oblivion.

“Happy birthday, dear, wise, courageous, Kyiv! We love you infinitely!”

Ukraine will survive because Ukrainians – all Ukrainians from east to west and north to Crimea – will persevere and repel all russian attacks. But is it fair for Ukrainians – civilians – to endure death and destruction every day as they defend the free world from russian aggression?