Russia has launched its largest air strike on Ukraine’s capital since the conflict started in 2022, wounding at least 23 individuals and destroying important railway infrastructure. The overnight attack comprised 539 drones and 11 missiles that hit several Ukrainian regions, with the main target being Kyiv. The Ukrainian Air Force indicated that 478 of the air weapons were shot down and destroyed.
Blazes erupted in six Kyiv districts, wounding locals and prompting emergency evacuations. Debris from downed intercepted drones ignited a Holosiivskyi district medical facility. 14 remain hospitalized, Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed. Social media videos depicted the night-time evacuation of civilians, explosions, and crumbling buildings.
Kyiv Railways, Homes, and Hospitals Hit
Ukraine’s national railway operator, Ukrzaliznytsia, confirmed that the impact of drones destroyed railway infrastructure in Kyiv. The attack resulted in several diversions of trains and delays along the network. Cars and buildings in areas of the city were engulfed in fire, and authorities instructed residents to shut windows because of noxious smoke and combustion particles.
Tymur Tkachenko, the top of Kyiv’s Military Administration, attributed the attack to Russia in what he called “nothing but terror and murder.” He warned against the continued air quality danger and underscored that the city had never witnessed an attack of such scale since the beginning of the war.
Additional Strikes Throughout Ukraine
Outside Kyiv, Russia also hit eight other territories. Nine missiles and 63 drones targeted other Ukrainian targets. Russian shelling killed five civilians in Pokrovsk, a long-besieged city in eastern Ukraine.
Although both Moscow and Kyiv deny targeting civilians, thousands—predominantly Ukrainians—have been killed since Russia’s all-out invasion.
Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy Weigh In
While Ukraine experiences mounting bombardments, President Donald Trump discussed matters with Vladimir Putin during a phone call. The two did not, however, according to Russian authorities, talk about the US suspension of weapons assistance. However, Trump before his visit to Iowa, accused former President Biden of shipping too many weapons to Kyiv.
“Were giving weapons,” Trump declared. “But Biden drained our entire country… We need to ensure that we have enough for ourselves.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in Denmark, stated that he hopes to talk to Trump in the near future about the pending arms deliveries.
Kyiv Under Fire, Diplomacy Frozen
As air raids continue and diplomacy stalls, Ukraine remains under severe threat. The scale of this latest attack marks a dangerous escalation and shows Russia’s capacity to strike deep into the heart of Ukrainian cities.
With uncertainty growing over US weapons aid and diplomatic talks, Kyiv braces for more.