Russia launched its largest number of ballistic missiles since the start of the war in a sustained overnight assault on Kyiv, Ukrainian officials reported early Sunday. The barrage, which spanned six districts of the capital, resulted in at least one fatality and injured 15 people, according to preliminary reports from local authorities.

The attack underscores Ukraine's increasing vulnerability to ballistic missile threats, particularly in light of a critical shortage of Patriot air defence munitions, which are considered the most effective defense against such weapons. The ongoing bombardment occurs as Ukraine navigates domestic political tensions following President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent dismissal of his defence minister, a move that has sparked protests and criticism.

Fires broke out across Kyiv following the strikes, damaging residential buildings, offices, industrial sites, a dormitory, and vehicles, the State Emergency Service stated. Rescue workers were deployed to pull individuals from burning structures, including a private home and a multi-story residential building. The casualty count was confirmed after one person was discovered deceased.

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the attack as a “brutal terrorist attack on the Ukrainian capital” and called for significant international pressure on Moscow. He asserted that the attacks targeted civilians, accusing Russia of avoiding direct engagement with President Zelenskyy.

This large-scale ballistic missile assault comes amid a backdrop of escalating Russian attacks across Ukraine. Earlier on Sunday, Russian drone strikes also hit the central Dnipropetrovsk region, resulting in one death, according to regional official Oleksandr Ganzha. The Zaporizhia region also reported Russian activity.

Ukraine's reliance on Western military aid, including air defence systems, has been a persistent theme of the conflict. The current shortage of critical munitions, such as those for Patriot systems, directly impacts the nation's ability to intercept high-velocity ballistic missiles, leaving urban centers like Kyiv more exposed.

The political fallout from President Zelenskyy's cabinet reshuffle adds another layer of complexity. The dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov, the defence minister, has been met with significant backlash from some quarters, with critics deeming it a misstep during a crucial phase of the war, potentially undermining morale and strategic momentum.

As the conflict continues into its fifth year, these relentless attacks highlight the enduring challenges faced by Ukraine in defending its territory and population, while also facing internal political adjustments and the critical need for sustained international support and advanced weaponry.