Ukraine Reports 15 Injured in Massive Russian Drone and Missile Attack on Kyiv

In one of the largest combined drone and missile attacks since the start of the war, Russia launched a major overnight strike on Kyiv, injuring at least 15 civilians and damaging multiple apartment buildings across the Ukrainian capital.

Waves of Explosions Rock Kyiv in Overnight Assault

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attack as a “tough night” for Ukraine and urged the international community to impose tougher sanctions on Russia to push for a ceasefire.

According to Reuters reporters on the ground, waves of drones flew over the city, followed by a series of loud explosions. Kyiv's night sky lit up with red-orange flashes, while anti-aircraft systems fired continuously to intercept the incoming threats.

Photos from the scene showed flames and smoke pouring from a top-floor apartment balcony as firefighters worked to contain the fire. Residents reported broken windows, shattered glass, and widespread destruction.

15 People Injured, Including Children

Ukrainian officials confirmed that six districts in Kyiv suffered damage, with 15 people injured, including two children. Three victims were hospitalized, and emergency crews were deployed throughout the affected areas.

Kyiv’s city military administration called it one of the most intense drone and missile strikes since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.

Eyewitness: “They’re Destroying Us”

One of the survivors, Halyna Tatarchuk, a 63-year-old pensioner, was in her apartment with her husband when a drone hit their building. They took cover in the hallway, away from the windows — a decision she believes saved their lives.

“All our windows are blown out, glass everywhere,” she said. “I want Trump to see this. What is he doing? Doesn’t he see that this is the destruction of a people? They are just destroying us,” she said, referring to Russia’s military.

Russia Responds to Ukrainian Drone Strikes

Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia fired 14 ballistic missiles and launched 250 long-range drones, mainly targeting Kyiv. The attack came after Ukraine conducted about 800 drone strikes inside Russia in recent days, including some targeting Moscow.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had promised retaliation following the Ukrainian strikes.

Ceasefire Talks and Prisoner Exchanges Offer Faint Hope

Just hours before the attack, Russia and Ukraine conducted a large prisoner exchange, prompting former U.S. President Donald Trump to suggest it might be a step toward peace talks. However, Trump rejected a European proposal for new sanctions on Russia.

Despite discussions of peace, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on Telegram:

“Russia has not sent a peace memorandum — instead, it sends deadly drones and missiles at civilians.”

President Zelenskyy added:

“These strikes prove to the world that Russia is the obstacle to peace. Only stronger sanctions targeting key sectors of the Russian economy will force Moscow to negotiate a ceasefire.”

Russia Claims New Territorial Gains in Eastern Ukraine

Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed its forces had captured the settlements of Stupochki, Otradne, and Loknia in Ukraine’s Donetsk and Sumy regions. However, Reuters could not independently verify these claims.

Conclusion

As Kyiv reels from one of the most destructive air attacks in recent memory, calls for stronger international action grow louder. With civilian casualties rising and peace talks stalled, the war in Ukraine shows no signs of de-escalation. The global community now faces critical choices on how to respond to renewed aggression and whether stronger measures could finally bring an end to the conflict.

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Source: CNBC