Kathrine Frich
Officials fear more people remain trapped beneath collapsed structures.
Officials fear more people remain trapped beneath collapsed structures.
Russia Launches “Massive” Attack on Kyiv Overnight
Kyiv was hit by one of the heaviest Russian strikes in recent months. Explosions shook the capital as missiles and drones rained down.
At least 10 people were killed and more than 30 injured, including a 14-year-old child. Rescue teams are still searching the rubble.
Homes Destroyed and Families Trapped Under Rubble
Entire apartment blocks collapsed after missile impacts. Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, confirmed that a five-story residential building in the Darnytskyi district was destroyed.
“Among the dead is a child,” he said, while officials warned more bodies may be buried beneath the ruins.
Fire Hits Kindergarten and Apartment Complex
Kyiv’s military administration reported that the strikes caused a blaze at a kindergarten and damaged several residential buildings.
Flames engulfed homes while terrified residents rushed underground for shelter. Witnesses described chaos as alarms blared through the city.
“Russia Chooses Ballistics Instead of Negotiations”
President Volodymyr Zelensky reacted sharply to the attack.
He said: “Russia chooses ballistics instead of the negotiating table.”
He called the strikes a “clear response to all those who, for weeks and months, have been calling for a ceasefire and genuine diplomacy.”
EU Mission in Kyiv Deliberately Targeted
The European Union delegation building in Kyiv was also hit. European Council President Antonio Costa condemned the strike as deliberate, saying:
“The EU will not be intimidated. Russian aggression only strengthens our resolve to stand with Ukraine and its people.”
Russia Fired Hundreds of Drones and Missiles
Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia launched 598 drones and 31 ballistic and cruise missiles during the assault.
Ukrainian defenses managed to shoot down or jam 563 drones and 26 missiles, but several broke through, striking residential areas and killing civilians.
Civilians Seek Shelter Underground
AFP reporters saw Kyiv residents running to underground tunnels and metro stations, some carrying sleeping bags.
Social media showed families huddled together, trying to escape the blasts. “Another massive strike against our city,” Zelensky wrote.
Child’s Body Recovered From the Debris
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed that rescuers pulled the body of a child from the rubble.
“Fragments of bodies were also found,” he said on Telegram, stressing the difficulty of identifying the victims.
Officials fear more people remain trapped beneath collapsed structures.
500 Rescuers and 1,000 Police Deployed
Emergency services rushed to the scene with 500 firefighters and 1,000 police officers.
They worked through the night to clear rubble and extinguish fires.
Authorities warned that the death toll could rise as search operations continue across multiple districts.
Power Outages Beyond Kyiv
The attacks also targeted infrastructure outside the capital.
Ukraine’s railway company reported a “massive Russian attack” in Vinnytsia region, which caused widespread power cuts and disrupted train traffic.
The strikes shows Moscow’s attempt to paralyze civilian life nationwide.
Ukraine Calls for Stronger International Response
Zelensky demanded tougher sanctions against Moscow and urged Beijing and Budapest to react.
“We are waiting for the reaction of all those in the world who called for peace, but who are now more often silent,” he said, warning that silence only emboldens Russia.
Russia Rejects Peace and Demands Concessions
Moscow insists any ceasefire must include Ukraine ceding four partially occupied regions and renouncing NATO membership.
Kyiv has dismissed these demands as unacceptable. Zelensky said Russia “continues to take advantage of the fact that part of the world turns a blind eye.”
