Kyiv: Russia launched one of its largest overnight missile and drone attacks on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, killing at least eight people and injuring more than 30 others, according to Ukrainian authorities. The barrage struck residential neighbourhoods across the city, causing widespread destruction and forcing emergency crews to carry out rescue operations.
The assault involved a combination of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and attack drones, with explosions reported across multiple districts of Kyiv. A nine-storey residential apartment building partially collapsed after being hit, trapping residents under the rubble, while several other apartment blocks, commercial buildings and civilian infrastructure caught fire.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said emergency services responded to incidents in at least 28 locations across the capital. Firefighters battled multiple blazes while rescue teams searched damaged buildings for survivors. Several emergency responders were among those injured during the operation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who cut short an overseas visit after intelligence warned of an imminent large-scale strike, condemned the attack and urged Western allies to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence capabilities. He reiterated calls for additional Patriot missile systems, saying they are essential to intercept Russian ballistic missiles and protect civilians.
The latest bombardment follows Ukraine’s intensified long-range drone campaign targeting Russian military facilities and oil infrastructure. In recent days, Ukrainian forces struck several strategic sites inside Russia, contributing to fuel shortages in some regions. Moscow has maintained that its strikes are aimed at military targets, while Kyiv says civilian areas continue to bear the brunt of the attacks.
The renewed escalation has prompted neighbouring Poland to scramble fighter aircraft as a precaution while air raid sirens sounded across large parts of Ukraine. Thousands of residents sought shelter in metro stations and underground facilities during the hours-long assault.
The attack underscores the continuing intensity of the Russia-Ukraine war, with no immediate signs of a diplomatic breakthrough. Rescue operations remain underway in Kyiv as authorities assess the full extent of the damage and search for anyone still trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
