Russia Attacks Kyiv in Massive Overnight Assault
Russia attacks Kyiv in its most destructive air strike since the war began in 2022. The operation lasted for seven hours and involved hundreds of aerial weapons. As a result, at least 23 people suffered injuries, and several districts in the capital sustained major damage.
According to Ukraine’s air force, Russian forces launched 550 aerial weapons, including Shahed drones and 11 missiles. Ukrainian defenses managed to intercept 270 targets, including two cruise missiles. Nevertheless, many others reached their intended destinations and caused severe destruction.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the assault. He emphasized that the intensity and timing of the strike revealed Moscow’s determination to prolong the conflict.
Strike Coincides with U.S.–Russia Call
The air assault occurred on the same day U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy suggested that the timing of the attack signaled Russia’s rejection of peace efforts. Trump later acknowledged that the conversation yielded no breakthrough. “I’m not happy about that,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov confirmed that Putin restated Russia’s key demands. These included ending Ukraine’s bid to join NATO and recognizing Russia’s territorial claims in occupied areas.
Destruction Spreads Across Kyiv Districts
Kyiv bore the brunt of the attack. Fourteen people were hospitalized, and five of the city’s ten districts reported heavy damage.
In Solomianskyi, a five-story building collapsed while flames spread from the rooftop of a nearby seven-story structure. A missile struck a 14-story apartment building in Sviatoshynskyi, setting vehicles ablaze. In Shevchenkivskyi, part of an eight-story building was destroyed. Additionally, drone debris scattered across Darnytskyi and Holosiivskyi districts.
Ukraine’s national railway operator, Ukrzaliznytsia, confirmed that drone fragments damaged parts of Kyiv’s rail infrastructure.
Other Regions Also Under Fire
Beyond the capital, missile and drone strikes hit the Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Kharkiv, Chernihiv, and Kyiv regions. According to Ukrainian officials, Russia targeted eight sites using nine missiles and 63 drones. Debris from downed drones landed in at least 33 locations.
Fires broke out in warehouses, garages, and industrial zones. Emergency teams worked throughout the night to contain the destruction.
Defense Delays Add to Ukraine’s Challenge
The Pentagon paused shipments of air defense missiles to Ukraine, raising further concern about the country’s vulnerability. In response, European allies are evaluating options to close the gap. At the same time, Ukraine is seeking to expand domestic arms production. However, scaling up will require time and resources.
Ukrainian Leaders React Strongly
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the situation as “an absolutely horrible and sleepless night.” Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said that families rushed to underground shelters. She labeled the attack as “a deliberate act of terror.”
