At least 17 people were killed and dozens injured overnight in Kyiv, local authorities said, as Russia launched its latest massive drone and missile attack on the Ukrainian capital in the early hours of Thursday. Fires were burning at sites across the capital as dawn broke, with strikes or debris hitting residential buildings in several districts and a hotel on one of Kyiv’s central boulevards.
Details of the attack
The attack began around 2 a.m. local time, with waves of drones followed by cruise missiles. Air defense systems were active, but multiple impacts were reported. According to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, the casualties included 17 dead and at least 60 wounded, with rescue operations ongoing.
Damage across the city
In the Shevchenkivskyi district, a high-rise residential building was partially destroyed, trapping residents under rubble. Fires also broke out in the Dniprovskyi and Solomyanskyi districts. A hotel on Tarasa Shevchenko Boulevard was hit, causing structural damage but no reported casualties among guests.
“This was one of the most intense attacks on the capital in recent weeks,” said a spokesperson for the Kyiv City Military Administration. “The enemy targeted civilian infrastructure, aiming to terrorize the population.”
International response
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, calling it a “brutal act of terrorism.” He reiterated the need for more air defense systems from Western allies. The United Nations expressed deep concern, urging an immediate halt to attacks on civilian areas.
Russia has not commented on the specific strike but has previously stated that it targets military infrastructure in Ukraine.
