Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, came under one of its heaviest overnight attacks in recent months after Russia launched a barrage of drones and missiles that killed at least 13 people and injured dozens more. The assault sparked fires across the city, damaged residential buildings, and forced thousands of residents to seek shelter as air raid sirens echoed through the night.
Highlights
- At least 13 people were killed in the overnight attack on Kyiv.
- More than 80 others were injured, with dozens hospitalized.
- Residential buildings and a hotel were among the structures hit.
- Ukrainian air defence systems intercepted waves of drones and missiles.
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had warned of a possible large-scale strike.
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Deadly Overnight Assault
Kyiv endured a devastating overnight attack after Russia launched a large-scale wave of drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles targeting the Ukrainian capital.
Local authorities said at least 13 people lost their lives, while dozens more sustained injuries as emergency crews rushed to rescue survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
Officials warned that the death toll could increase as search-and-rescue operations continue.
Residential Areas Hit
Several districts across the capital suffered significant damage during the bombardment.
Residential apartment blocks were among the buildings struck, with one multi-storey building partially collapsing after what officials described as a direct hit.
Emergency responders worked through the debris to rescue residents, while fires broke out at multiple locations across the city.
A hotel situated along one of Kyiv’s central boulevards was also damaged during the attack.
Air Defences Activated
Residents reported hearing powerful explosions for several hours as Ukraine’s air defence systems attempted to intercept incoming drones and missiles.
The sustained assault forced thousands of people to seek refuge in underground metro stations and designated bomb shelters throughout the capital.
Despite years of living under the threat of war, many residents responded quickly to air raid warnings due to the intensity of the latest attack.
Zelenskyy Had Issued Warning
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had urged citizens to remain vigilant hours before the assault.
Speaking during an official visit to Dublin, he encouraged Ukrainians to prioritize their safety, take children to shelters, and closely follow air raid alerts amid concerns that Russia was preparing another major strike.
Tensions Continue to Escalate
The latest attack comes amid continued fighting between Russia and Ukraine, with Moscow regularly launching missile and drone strikes against key Ukrainian cities.
In recent weeks, Russian officials had indicated plans to intensify attacks on strategic targets in Kyiv, prompting heightened security measures across the capital.
The renewed bombardment underscores the continuing humanitarian toll of the conflict, which has entered its fifth year with no immediate end in sight.
As rescue teams continue searching through the rubble, the latest attack serves as another painful reminder of the devastating human cost of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
