In a devastating escalation of violence, at least 15 individuals have lost their lives, and dozens more have sustained injuries due to a series of Russian strikes on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. This assault, which occurred overnight into Tuesday, marks one of the most significant bombardments of the city since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion more than three years ago.
Extent of the Attack
Ukraine’s interior minister, Ihor Klymenko, reported that a staggering total of 440 drones and 32 missiles were unleashed upon the nation. On the other hand, Russia’s defense ministry claimed its air defense units successfully intercepted and destroyed 147 Ukrainian drones during the night.
The bombardment lasted over nine hours, forcing residents to seek refuge in underground shelters from shortly before midnight until after dawn. Among the locations hit was a nine-storey apartment building in one district, with reports indicating that 27 districts across the city were subjected to bombardment. Tragically, a 62-year-old American citizen was identified among those killed, as confirmed by Kyiv’s Mayor, Vitali Klitschko.
Ongoing Rescue Efforts Amid Chaos
In the aftermath of the strikes, Ukrainian MP Lesia Vasylenko described the scene on social media, stating, “Waking up in utter nightmare: people trapped under rubble and full buildings collapsed.” Rescue teams are actively working to free those trapped beneath the debris, although loud explosions and the sounds of machine gun fire from mobile Ukrainian air defense units complicate their efforts. Additional sirens sounded later in the morning, further disrupting rescue operations as emergency workers searched for survivors amidst the rubble.
In recent weeks, Russia has escalated its air assaults on Ukrainian cities, employing a strategy of deploying large waves of drones and decoys intended to overwhelm Ukraine’s air defenses. In response, Kyiv has also undertaken attacks, especially as direct negotiations between the conflicting parties have failed to yield a ceasefire or significant diplomatic progress.
President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Russia’s recent wave of strikes as “pure terrorism,” asserting that Russian President Vladimir Putin has ramped up these large-scale attacks “solely because he can afford to continue this war.”
In addition to the strikes on Kyiv, drone attacks also targeted the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa, claiming one life and injuring at least ten more, according to Klymenko. Amid the escalating conflict, Zelensky had anticipated a conversation with US President Donald Trump during the G7 summit in Canada; however, Trump shortened his visit due to the intensifying crisis in the Middle East.
This latest round of violence poses significant challenges for Zelensky’s administration, which had been aiming to secure US support for Ukraine’s strategic and military objectives at the summit. Nevertheless, the UK and its allies are expected to announce further sanctions against Russia, as part of ongoing efforts to maintain pressure on Moscow regarding its military actions in Ukraine.