A large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, has resulted in at least 15 fatalities and over 100 injuries, according to Ukrainian officials. The attack, one of the most significant on the city since the war’s beginning, involved an estimated 440 drones and 32 missiles, according to the Ukrainian Interior Minister.
A drone strike on an apartment building caused extensive damage, destroying numerous flats. President Volodymyr Zelensky described the assault as “one of the most terrifying strikes,” while two additional deaths were reported in Odesa.
The Russian defense ministry claimed the attacks targeted Ukrainian military-industrial complexes, asserting all objectives were successfully hit. The strikes, lasting over nine hours, forced Kyiv residents to seek refuge in underground shelters.
A ballistic missile impact on a nine-story apartment building in Solomyanskyi district resulted in significant structural damage and casualties, with fears the death toll may rise. Among the victims was a 62-year-old US citizen, according to Kyiv’s Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
Klitschko stated that over 40 apartments were destroyed and individuals might remain trapped beneath the rubble, accusing Russia of employing cluster bomblets to maximize casualties. Ukrainian MP Lesia Vasylenko described the situation as an “utter nightmare.”
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed that residential buildings, critical infrastructure, and educational facilities were targeted. The attack involved loud explosions and the sounds of Ukrainian air defense systems engaging incoming drones.
Subsequent air raid sirens hampered rescue efforts. Russia’s intensified air campaign utilizes large waves of drones and decoys to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses. Kyiv has also launched its own attacks amidst stalled peace talks.
Recent counter-attacks by Kyiv follow failed attempts at direct negotiations to achieve a ceasefire. Russia also reported a Ukrainian missile strike in occupied Donetsk, injuring at least 10 individuals, and claimed to have intercepted 147 Ukrainian drones.
President Zelensky, attending the G7 summit in Canada, denounced the strikes as “pure terrorism,” blaming President Putin for escalating the conflict. He criticized the international community’s response, stating that “terrorists should feel the pain, not peaceful people.”
Drone strikes on Odesa resulted in two deaths and ten injuries. Zelensky’s planned meeting with US President Trump was cut short due to the escalating Middle East crisis, potentially impacting the securing of US support for Ukraine’s strategic goals. Despite this, the UK and allies are expected to announce further sanctions against Russia.
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