13 Dead as Russia Pounds Kyiv Overnight
Ukraine's capital endured one of its deadliest nights in recent weeks after Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack that killed at least 13 people and injured more than 30 others, according to Ukrainian officials. Emergency crews continued rescue operations on Thursday as damaged residential buildings, burning vehicles and shattered infrastructure highlighted the scale of the overnight assault.
The strikes hit multiple districts across Kyiv, forcing residents to rush into bomb shelters as explosions echoed through the city for hours. Ukrainian authorities said children were among those affected, while firefighters battled blazes at several locations, including a hotel in the city centre and residential properties damaged by the bombardment.
Kyiv's military administration accused Russian forces of deliberately targeting civilian neighbourhoods, saying emergency responders were working to free survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures. Officials confirmed that dozens of people had been rescued, but warned that the casualty figures could increase as search efforts continued.
Residents described a night filled with repeated explosions as Ukrainian air defence systems attempted to intercept incoming missiles and drones. Thick smoke rose over several parts of the capital by morning, while photographs from the scene showed large craters, destroyed buildings and burnt-out vehicles scattered across affected areas.
Zelensky Had Warned of Major Russian Attac
The latest assault came just hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly warned that intelligence reports indicated Russia was preparing a significant strike. He urged citizens to remain alert and prioritize their safety, particularly protecting children and family members.
The attack marked the first major combined missile and drone offensive against Kyiv in more than two weeks, signalling a renewed escalation despite months of largely static front-line fighting.
Russia's Ministry of Defence said its military had targeted Ukrainian defence facilities and energy-related infrastructure. Moscow claimed the operation was carried out in retaliation for recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy installations, although Ukrainian officials insisted residential areas suffered the greatest damage during the overnight strikes.
Fighting Intensifies Beyond the Capital
The renewed air campaign comes as fighting continues along eastern Ukraine's front lines. Russian forces have recently increased pressure near Kostyantynivka, a strategically important city viewed as one of Ukraine's remaining defensive strongholds in the Donbas region.
Military analysts believe capturing the city would strengthen Moscow's position in eastern Ukraine, although Ukrainian commanders maintain their forces have also regained territory in several sectors this year while disrupting Russian military supply routes connecting occupied Crimea with Russia.
Despite periodic offensives from both sides, the broader ground war has remained largely unchanged in recent months, with heavily fortified positions limiting major territorial advances.
Russia continues to control roughly one-fifth of Ukraine's territory, most of which was seized following its full-scale invasion launched in February 2022. Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict have shown little progress, while both countries continue exchanging long-range strikes against military and energy infrastructure.
The latest attack on Kyiv underscores the continuing threat faced by civilians as the war enters another prolonged phase, with emergency services warning that recovery efforts in the capital could take days to complete.
