‘Massive’ Russian Strike on Kyiv Kills 4, Injures Dozens

A massive overnight Russian drone and missile assault struck Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, killing at least four people and injuring more than 20, according to Ukrainian officials. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, was marked by powerful explosions that shook the city, lit up the night sky, and left behind large plumes of smoke as projectiles damaged and destroyed multiple buildings across Kyiv.

This was the first large-scale combined drone and missile attack on Kyiv since US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a summit in Alaska earlier this month to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. The strike underscored how little progress has been made in diplomatic negotiations and the continuing intensity of Russia’s offensive.

Tymur Tkachenko, the head of Kyiv’s city military administration, confirmed that one of the fatalities was a 14-year-old girl. He said that a five-storey residential building in the Darnytskyi district was hit directly and declared, “Everything is destroyed.” He condemned the assault, calling it a massive attack by the “Russian terrorist state.”

Local news outlet The Kyiv Independent reported that at least four people were confirmed dead, but officials warned that the casualty count could rise as rescue operations continued. Another strike in central Kyiv shattered windows and scattered glass along a major road. Rescue teams were deployed to approximately 20 locations across the city, working to pull survivors and bodies from beneath the rubble of collapsed structures.

Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, echoed Tkachenko’s assessment, labeling the assault a “massive attack” by Russia. He reported that two children were among the injured. Officials shared a detailed list of damaged sites with media outlets, which included several high-rise apartment blocks. Images and videos uploaded online depicted apartments engulfed in flames, thick smoke rising from buildings, and firefighters battling to contain the destruction.

The timing of the attack was particularly significant, coming amid ongoing but unsuccessful diplomatic efforts by President Trump to persuade President Putin to halt the war. Despite the Alaska talks, no breakthrough has been achieved, and both Moscow and Kyiv continue to exchange blame over the stalled negotiations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the situation on Wednesday, stating that members of his administration were scheduled to meet with US officials in New York on Friday to further discuss the war and international support. Zelenskyy described receiving “very arrogant and negative signals from Moscow” regarding peace talks and reiterated his call for increased international pressure on Russia. He insisted that only strong, coordinated pressure from global partners could compel Moscow to take “real steps” toward ceasing hostilities.

In summary, the overnight Russian attack on Kyiv represents not only a deadly escalation of violence but also a symbolic reminder of the ongoing failure of diplomatic efforts to end the war. With civilians, including children, among the casualties, and significant destruction of residential infrastructure, the assault highlights the continuing human toll of the conflict. Ukraine’s leadership, backed by its Western allies, is urging renewed global efforts to increase pressure on Russia to end its war.