KYIV, Ukraine — Russian forces executed a massive missile and drone strike on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, in the early hours of this morning, resulting in the death of three people and injuries to 26 others, according to city officials. The coordinated attack struck residential buildings across almost every district, triggering widespread explosions and fires.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the casualties, noting that 26 people required medical attention. Four individuals, including a pregnant woman and one person in critical condition, were hospitalized. The impact caused debris and fires that damaged high-rise apartment complexes, a school, a medical facility, and administrative buildings in the city.
International Calls for Swift Action
The attack has amplified Kyiv’s urgent calls for increased Western support. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reported damage to approximately 30 residences and urged G7 counterparts—who had recently concluded a meeting in Canada—to swiftly implement strong measures against Moscow.
“This brutal Russian attack demonstrates the urgent need for new contributions to Ukraine’s defence and new steps to increase pressure on Russia, including the long-awaited decision on frozen assets,” Mr. Sybiha stated.
The assault also disrupted vital city services, with damage reported to Kyiv’s heating system, leading to service interruptions in one district. Outside the capital, the governor of the Kyiv region confirmed six additional injuries, including a seven-year-old child.
Escalation and Global Response
The strike represents an intensification of Moscow’s months-long campaign targeting Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, including energy facilities, rail systems, and residential areas. Ukraine’s air force indicated that drones and guided bombs were simultaneously targeting several other regions.
The attack comes amid mounting international pressure on Russia:
- Sanctions: Canada recently unveiled new sanctions targeting Russia’s drone and energy production sectors, as well as infrastructure used for cyberattacks.
- G7 Unity: G7 foreign ministers, in their meeting this week, had called for an immediate ceasefire and reaffirmed their “unwavering” support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
- Frozen Assets: The European Commission is currently considering a plan to utilize profits from frozen Russian assets to provide Kyiv with a substantial loan for budgetary and military support over the next two years.
Despite global efforts, the war remains deeply entrenched, with Russian forces continuing to press their advantage along the eastern front line, while Moscow rejects all ceasefire calls.
