Tragic Night in Kyiv: Russian Strikes Claim Lives and Spark Panic

In one of the largest bombardments since Russia's invasion, Kyiv faced a relentless wave of strikes overnight that killed at least 15 people and injured many more. Rescue operations continue as officials report extensive damage across the city.

Kyiv was rocked by a serious escalation in violence during an overnight attack that left at least 15 people dead and dozens injured. This assault represents one of the most intense bombardments of the Ukrainian capital since Russia’s full-scale invasion began over three years ago.

Officials including Ukraine’s interior minister, Ihor Klymenko, stated that the attack involved 440 drones and 32 missiles targeting the city, while Russian air defense claimed to have intercepted 147 Ukrainian drones during the same period. The relentless strikes on Kyiv stretched for over nine hours, compelling residents to seek refuge in underground shelters as they faced the onslaught.

Widespread devastation was reported, including a ballistic missile strike that damaged a nine-story apartment complex. Ukrainian MP Lesia Vasylenko expressed the horror of the situation on social media, revealing that rescue teams were grappling with the task of freeing individuals trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings.

Throughout the night, the sounds of explosions and gunfire contributed to an atmosphere of chaos, as mobile Ukrainian air defense units attempted to counter the wave of attacks. Rescue workers faced additional challenges due to subsequent air raid sirens that interrupted their recovery efforts.

In recent weeks, Russian military strategy has shifted to increasingly target Ukrainian cities with mass drone attacks and decoys designed to saturate air defenses. This intensification of conflict comes amidst stalled negotiations for a ceasefire and resolution between the two nations.

President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the latest onslaught as an act of "pure terrorism," calling out Russian President Vladimir Putin for his unyielding aggression. He emphasized the disconnect between the powerful nations of the world and the devastating toll these actions take on civilians.

In another part of Ukraine, drone strikes on the southern city of Odesa resulted in at least one death and ten injuries. Zelensky had hoped to engage with US President Donald Trump during the G7 summit, but the ongoing crisis impacted these discussions. As the attacks escalate, the Ukrainian administration’s quest for international support grows increasingly urgent.