At least 27 people were killed and dozens injured in a massive Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv, local authorities said on Thursday. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko described it as the worst assault on the capital in over four years of war.
Russia launched nearly 500 drones and more than 70 missiles in the hours-long attack, targeting Kyiv and other regions. Explosions rocked the capital as air defence systems attempted to intercept the waves of cruise and ballistic missiles. Fires broke out across the city, with strikes damaging residential buildings in several districts and a hotel on a central boulevard. A large section of a nine-storey apartment block on the left bank of the Dnipro River was ripped open, leaving a mound of rubble. Rescuers continued to search for survivors throughout the day.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had warned Ukrainians of the impending attack on Wednesday while visiting Dublin, urging them to take shelter. City authorities reported that over 50,000 people spent the night in metro stations, with some bringing mattresses and tents. Medical student Oleksandra Voloshyna said it was the first time in the war she felt unsafe sleeping at home.
Zelenskyy cut short his trip to Ireland to visit the attack site, stating that the damage could have been reduced if allies had provided promised air defence missiles. “We are fighting alone. The victims are only Ukrainians. All we ask from our partners is that they do what they agreed to,” he said.
In recent weeks, Ukraine has intensified long-range drone strikes on Russian oil refineries, causing fuel shortages and petrol rationing in multiple Russian regions. Occupied Crimea has also faced a state of emergency. Russian authorities claimed Thursday’s attack was retaliation for Ukrainian strikes, targeting military and energy infrastructure. The Ukrainian foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, labelled this justification “immoral”.
