Kyiv (Rajeev Sharma): Russia launched one of its most intense aerial offensives against Kyiv in recent months, killing at least 27 people and injuring more than 90 in a coordinated overnight barrage involving hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles. The strikes triggered widespread destruction across the Ukrainian capital, with emergency crews working around the clock to rescue people trapped beneath the rubble.
Air raid sirens sounded for hours as explosions rocked multiple districts of Kyiv. Residents sought shelter in metro stations and underground bunkers while fires broke out at several locations following the attacks. Thick smoke covered parts of the city as firefighters and rescue personnel battled to contain the damage.
Local authorities said apartment buildings, public facilities and civilian infrastructure were among the sites hit during the assault. Several residential complexes suffered extensive structural damage, forcing rescue teams to search through collapsed sections in hopes of finding survivors. Officials cautioned that the number of casualties could increase as operations continue.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited one of the worst-affected neighbourhoods after returning from an overseas trip. He expressed condolences to the victims’ families and stressed the need for Ukraine’s allies to accelerate the supply of advanced air defence systems, saying improved protection could help prevent such large-scale civilian losses.
Ukraine’s military reported that Russia used an unusually large number of ballistic missiles alongside hundreds of attack drones during the operation. Defence officials acknowledged that while many aerial threats were intercepted, several missiles penetrated the country’s air defence network, causing significant destruction in the capital.
Moscow confirmed carrying out overnight strikes, claiming the operation targeted military facilities, aviation infrastructure and energy-related sites. Russian officials described the attacks as a response to recent Ukrainian drone operations inside Russian territory.
Ukraine, meanwhile, said it had launched drone strikes against energy infrastructure within Russia, including an oil refinery in the Nizhny Novgorod region. Kyiv has increasingly targeted fuel and logistics facilities in an effort to weaken Russia’s military supply chain.
The latest attack prompted Kyiv city authorities to announce a day of mourning. Emergency officials said around 130 buildings sustained varying levels of damage, including homes, educational institutions, medical facilities and humanitarian warehouses. Aid organisations also reported losses after relief supplies stored in the capital were destroyed during the bombardment.
The assault has drawn strong reactions from Ukraine’s international partners, with several European leaders condemning the strikes on civilian areas. Fresh calls have emerged for tougher sanctions on Russia and additional military assistance, particularly to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence capabilities.
The renewed escalation comes as Ukraine continues diplomatic efforts to secure greater international support while defending against sustained Russian attacks. Despite ongoing discussions on possible peace initiatives, the latest assault underscores that the conflict remains highly volatile, with civilians continuing to bear the heaviest cost.
