Kyiv, Dec 20 (V7N) — Russia launched a series of missile strikes on the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, on Friday morning, damaging at least six foreign embassy buildings, according to AFP. The attack resulted in one death and several injuries, marking another escalation in the ongoing conflict.

Loud explosions rocked Kiev as black smoke billowed into the sky, alarming residents and prompting emergency responses. Among the damaged diplomatic missions were the embassies of Albania, Argentina, North Macedonia, Palestine, Portugal, and Montenegro, as confirmed by Ukraine's Foreign Ministry.

Ukraine's military chief, Serhiy Popko, reported that eight missiles struck the capital, causing widespread destruction. Emergency services are working to assess the full extent of the damage and assist those affected.

Russia stated that the strikes were a response to recent Ukrainian attacks in the Rostov region. "Our forces targeted Ukrainian military installations with long-range weapons," a Russian Defence Ministry statement claimed.

This attack underscores the vulnerability of even diplomatic sites in the ongoing war and raises concerns about the safety of international personnel stationed in conflict zones. Global leaders are expected to react strongly to this latest escalation.

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