Kyiv: Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, endured one of the most brutal and extensive Russian missile and drone assaults in recent months overnight, leaving a trail of destruction, fatalities, and widespread injuries. The coordinated attack, which lasted for nearly nine hours, saw residential buildings, educational institutions, and critical infrastructure facilities come under direct fire, according to Ukrainian officials.
The bombardment, described by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as "one of the most terrifying strikes" on the capital, resulted in at least 14 confirmed deaths and 99 injuries in Kyiv alone. Among the casualties was a 62-year-old U.S. citizen who tragically died from shrapnel wounds in the Solomianskyi district. Rescue operations are still underway as emergency services tirelessly search for survivors amidst the rubble.
Kyiv City Military Administration head Tymur Tkachenko reported that the assault involved a massive deployment of Russian armaments, including over 440 drones and 32 missiles, comprising cruise, ballistic, and guided aerial weapons. A ballistic missile delivered a devastating direct hit to a nine-story residential building in the Solomianskyi district, causing an entire section to collapse and destroying dozens of apartments. "The nature of the damage is direct hits on residential buildings. Rockets — from the upper floors to the basement," Tkachenko stated, painting a grim picture of the assault's intensity.
Explosions reverberated across the city for hours, and fires broke out in various districts as Ukrainian air defense systems valiantly attempted to intercept the incoming threats. Despite these efforts, significant damage was reported in at least 27 locations across Kyiv. Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed that over 2,000 emergency personnel, including firefighters, police, medical staff, and utility workers, are engaged in the arduous response effort.
Beyond Kyiv, the attack also impacted other regions. In the southern port city of Odesa, one person was killed and 17 others were injured. Casualties were also reported in the Kyiv and Chernihiv regions, highlighting the widespread nature of the Russian aggression.
Ukrainian officials condemned the attacks as "pure terrorism," with President Zelenskyy urging the international community, particularly the United States and Europe, to respond as a "civilized society responds to terrorists." The strike coincides with the ongoing G7 summit in Canada, where leaders are discussing continued support for Ukraine.