Kyiv: Ukraine’s capital endured one of its most devastating nights of the war after Russia launched a massive wave of drones and missiles targeting Kyiv, leaving at least 27 people dead and more than 90 injured. The large-scale overnight bombardment caused extensive destruction to residential neighbourhoods, public infrastructure and emergency facilities, while rescue teams continued searching through collapsed buildings for survivors.
Authorities said repeated explosions echoed across Kyiv through the night as residents rushed into underground metro stations and bomb shelters. Thick smoke engulfed several parts of the city, with emergency responders battling fires and clearing debris at multiple impact sites.
According to Kyiv officials, at least 91 people sustained injuries in the strikes, while dozens of buildings suffered heavy damage. Several apartment blocks, public institutions and humanitarian facilities were among the structures affected. Search-and-rescue operations remained underway as officials warned that the casualty count could increase.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy returned to the country after shortening an overseas visit and inspected one of the worst-hit residential locations. Speaking after the attack, he urged international partners to speed up the delivery of promised air defence systems, arguing that stronger protection could have reduced the scale of destruction and saved civilian lives.
Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia fired hundreds of attack drones along with dozens of missiles during the assault, making it one of the largest aerial attacks on the capital since the conflict began. Officials noted that the number of ballistic missiles used in the operation was unusually high, while interception rates were lower than expected because of continued shortages of advanced air defence interceptors.
Russia’s Defence Ministry confirmed carrying out overnight strikes, stating that the attacks targeted military infrastructure, airfields and energy-related facilities. Moscow described the operation as retaliation for recent Ukrainian drone attacks inside Russian territory.
Meanwhile, Kyiv claimed responsibility for striking an oil refinery in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod region, saying its long-range drones targeted energy infrastructure as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt Russian military logistics.
The scale of the attack prompted Kyiv authorities to declare an official day of mourning. City officials said nearly 130 buildings sustained varying degrees of damage, including residential complexes, medical institutions and humanitarian warehouses. The Ukrainian Red Cross also reported the destruction of one of its relief storage facilities, resulting in the loss of thousands of emergency aid supplies.
The latest escalation has drawn widespread international concern. European leaders condemned the strikes on civilian areas, while the United Nations criticised the continued attacks on densely populated locations. Calls have also intensified within Europe for stronger sanctions against Russia and greater military assistance to Ukraine, particularly in strengthening its air defence capabilities.
The attack comes ahead of key international diplomatic engagements, with Ukraine expected to push for additional security commitments and military support during upcoming meetings with its Western allies. As the war continues into another year, the latest bombardment highlights the persistent threat facing Ukrainian cities despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
