Kyiv has been subjected to a large-scale Russian aerial assault, resulting in significant destruction and casualties.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the Ukrainian capital was targeted by a massive, hours-long attack overnight. Reports indicate the use of approximately 500 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and over 70 missiles.
While Ukrainian air defense systems were activated, falling debris caused fires in residential areas and a hotel in the city center. A nine-story residential building on the left bank of the Dnieper River was heavily damaged, with rescue teams currently searching for survivors. Official reports state that approximately 70 people have been hospitalized, and the death toll is expected to rise. Over 50,000 residents were forced to seek shelter in metro stations.
Following the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that allies have not fully met their commitments regarding air defense, emphasizing the need for further support. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned Russia's framing of these attacks as "retaliatory measures." British Prime Minister Keir Starmer characterized the events as part of Russia's ongoing pressure campaign against the Ukrainian population.
In recent weeks, Ukraine has intensified long-range drone strikes against Russian energy infrastructure, while Moscow maintains that its strikes target military and energy facilities. Diplomatic efforts to revive peace processes remain ongoing. President Zelensky announced that Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov, is in contact with US representative Jared Kushner. Furthermore, a meeting with US President Donald Trump is reportedly planned during the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara. A day of mourning has been declared in Kyiv for Friday.
