Emergency services are responding to a second day of large-scale Russian missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, with Kyiv bearing the brunt of the assault. The attacks have killed at least five people and injured 44 in the capital, according to Ukrainian officials.
Overnight Assault on Kyiv
The overnight attacks began at 3am on Thursday, with hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles fired by Moscow. Explosions echoed through Kyiv, disrupting water and power supplies in the eastern part of the city. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the casualties in a social media statement, calling for a just response to the strikes.
Scale of the Attack
Ukraine's air force reported that the latest attack involved 56 missiles of various types and almost 700 drones. The intensity of the assault has raised concerns that Russia is attempting to overwhelm Ukraine's air defense systems. Wednesday's daylight raids killed at least 14 people and injured over 80, including strikes on railway infrastructure and other critical sites.
Damage and Rescue Efforts
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said a large apartment block collapsed in the Darnytskyi district, destroying 18 apartments. Rescue operations are ongoing, with 11 people rescued so far. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko noted that more than 10 people are still missing. In a separate incident, Russian drones struck a UN vehicle in the southern city of Kherson.
International Reactions
Hungary summoned Russia's ambassador on Thursday after strikes near its border, reflecting a shift in diplomatic relations under new Prime Minister Péter Magyar. The attacks contradict US President Donald Trump's claims that a peace deal is close, following Russian President Vladimir Putin's remarks that the war may be ending.
Ukraine's Defense and Prospects
Despite the relentless attacks, Ukraine's battlefield prospects have improved, with domestically developed drone technology now being shared with other nations. Zelenskyy described the raids as one of the longest and most massive Russian attacks, aimed at causing maximum grief and pain.
