Russian Strikes Kill 19 in Kyiv, Dozens Injured
Kyiv faced one of its most intense assaults in months as Russia launched a large-scale overnight strike involving close to 600 drones and more than 30 missiles. Ukrainian officials confirmed that at least 19 people were killed, including four children, while 48 others were wounded. The strikes hit all ten districts of the capital, with residential blocks, government-linked facilities, and foreign institutions among the targets.
Widespread Urban Damage Reported
Officials reported that nearly 100 buildings were damaged during the assault. The blast waves shattered glass and caused structural damage across densely populated neighborhoods. Notably, offices of the European Union mission and the British Council in central Kyiv were directly affected, marking a rare strike in the heart of the city. Emergency services worked overnight to rescue trapped civilians and secure damaged areas.
International Condemnation and Sanctions
Ukraine immediately called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council following the attack. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced Russia for escalating violence instead of pursuing diplomacy. Western leaders also condemned the strikes, calling them a deliberate attempt to undermine peace efforts. The UK and EU summoned Russian envoys, and the European Union announced fresh sanctions, including reallocating frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine. NATO allies reiterated support for strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses.
Blow to Peace and Stability Efforts
The deadly assault came as peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow remain stalled, underscoring the growing fragility of negotiations. Zelenskyy warned that diplomacy risks being overshadowed by aggression unless there is stronger international pressure on Moscow. Analysts said the scale of the strike shows Russia’s willingness to intensify the war despite calls for de-escalation.
