Kyiv: Ukraine’s capital Kyiv has come under one of the biggest missile and drone attacks since the war began, leaving people shaken after hours of explosions, air raid sirens and destruction across the city.
Ukrainian officials said Russia launched hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles in a large overnight assault targeting Kyiv and several other regions. At least four people were reported killed and many others injured as rescue workers searched damaged buildings and helped families trapped under debris.
Residents described a night filled with fear as loud blasts echoed across the capital. Many people rushed into underground metro stations and shelters as air defence systems attempted to stop incoming missiles and drones. Witnesses said smoke rose over several districts while emergency vehicles moved through the streets until morning.
According to Ukrainian authorities, residential buildings, schools, infrastructure facilities and cultural institutions suffered damage during the attack. Parts of the National Art Museum of Ukraine were also affected. Several apartment blocks caught fire after being hit by falling debris from intercepted missiles and drones.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack and said Russia was trying to spread fear among ordinary civilians. He again appealed to Western countries for stronger military assistance, especially advanced air defence systems capable of stopping high speed missile attacks.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said emergency crews were working in different parts of the city throughout the night and into the morning. Medical teams treated injured residents while firefighters battled blazes caused by the strikes.
One of the major concerns during the latest assault was Russia’s reported use of the Oreshnik hypersonic missile. Reports said this was only one of the few known times the missile had been used in the war. Military analysts believe the weapon travels at extremely high speed and is difficult for current air defence systems to intercept.
Ukrainian officials said one such missile struck the city of Bila Tserkva near Kyiv. The use of advanced missiles has raised concern among Ukraine’s allies and international observers, who fear a further escalation of the conflict.
Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed the strikes targeted Ukrainian military infrastructure, command centres and defence related industries. Russian officials also described the operation as retaliation for Ukrainian attacks inside Russian territory. Ukraine has denied deliberately targeting civilians in Russia.
The latest attack comes during a period of increasing military escalation. In recent weeks, Russia has intensified its long range drone and missile campaign against Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian officials say Moscow is attempting to overwhelm the country’s air defences by launching large numbers of drones and missiles at the same time.
International leaders reacted strongly to the strikes. European officials criticised the attacks and warned that continued assaults on civilian areas could worsen the humanitarian situation. The growing use of advanced missile systems has also increased fears about the future direction of the conflict.
The emotional impact of the war continues to affect Ukrainians both inside and outside the country. Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk revealed during the French Open that a missile exploded near her parents’ home in Kyiv shortly before her match in Paris. She later said her family was safe but described the experience as terrifying.
As rescue workers continue clearing damaged buildings in Kyiv, many residents remain uncertain about what may come next. Despite ongoing international diplomatic efforts, the war shows little sign of slowing down, with both Russia and Ukraine continuing heavy attacks while civilians pay the highest price.