A devastating barrage of Russian drones and missiles struck Kyiv overnight, resulting in at least six fatalities and over 50 injuries. The attack, which targeted multiple locations across the Ukrainian capital, has left widespread destruction and rubble in its wake. Among the dead is a six-year-old boy, while three other fatalities were confirmed at the site of an apartment block that collapsed following a strike.
Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, warned that the death toll could rise, given the extensive damage in over two dozen locations. Igor Klymenko, Ukraine’s interior minister, described the scene at a residential high-rise building where an entire entrance was destroyed, saying rescuers are working to clear the rubble. The Sviatoshynsky and Solomyansky districts were hit hardest, with one person killed and 20 injured.
The attack also damaged a hospital ward for children in the Shevchenkivsky district, where windows were blown out by a shockwave. Additionally, one of Kyiv’s higher education institutions, a school, and a kindergarten were affected. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the attack, calling it a “horrible morning” in Kyiv, with people still trapped under the rubble. Sybiha emphasized the need for maximum pressure on Moscow through sanctions, given the continued aggression despite US President Donald Trump’s warnings.
Trump had set a 50-day deadline for the Kremlin to reach a truce with Kyiv or risk economic penalties. However, he later shortened this deadline to 10-12 days, expressing disapproval of Putin’s actions in Ukraine. The Russian leader’s continued missile strikes on Ukrainian cities have raised concerns about the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. Trump noted a discrepancy between Putin’s rhetoric and the ongoing violence, stating, “We were going to have a ceasefire and maybe peace… and all of a sudden you have missiles flying into Kyiv and other places”.
The attack highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, with civilians bearing the brunt of the conflict. The international community continues to call for an end to the violence and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. As rescue efforts continue in Kyiv, the situation remains dire, with many fearing the worst for those still trapped under the rubble.
