Zelenskyy warns of ‘massive strike’ as overnight barrage hits residential areas and infrastructure in Ukrainian capital.
Russian forces launched a large-scale combined missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv overnight, killing at least 13 people and injuring dozens more in what officials described as one of the most intense strikes on the city in recent months.
The assault, involving ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and waves of attack drones, struck multiple residential districts, causing fires, building collapses, and widespread damage to civilian infrastructure. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the death toll, with rescue operations continuing amid reports of people trapped under rubble.
The attack came hours after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly warned of an impending “massive” Russian strike, urging residents to heed air raid alerts and seek shelter. Ukrainian intelligence had detected preparations for a major assault, he said.
‘A night of horror’:
Explosions rocked the city for several hours as air defences intercepted many incoming threats, but several projectiles evaded them. Footage showed intense fires engulfing high-rise residential buildings, with thick plumes of smoke rising into the night sky. Emergency services reported damage across more than 30 locations, including apartment blocks, a medical facility, and other civilian sites.
Ukraine’s Air Force stated that Russia fired dozens of missiles and hundreds of drones in the barrage, with the majority targeting Kyiv. Zelenskyy described it as part of Moscow’s ongoing campaign to terrorise Ukrainian cities and break the will of the population.
Russia has not yet commented officially on the strikes, though such attacks are often framed by Moscow as retaliation for Ukrainian operations on Russian territory or as targeting military infrastructure.
Deadly Russian Strike Hits Kyiv:
The strike underscores the relentless nature of Russia’s air campaign against Ukrainian urban centres, even as both sides report intensified fighting along the front lines in eastern Ukraine. Kyiv has faced repeated barrages in recent weeks, with civilian casualties mounting despite improved air defences.
International partners have condemned the attacks on populated areas as violations of international humanitarian law. The United Nations and European Union called for accountability, while the US and allies reiterated support for Ukraine’s defence.
As search and rescue efforts continue in Kyiv, the death toll may rise. Zelenskyy vowed that Ukraine would respond decisively and continue its strikes on Russian military targets.