A series of devastating missile and drone strikes by Russian forces on Kyiv early Thursday morning left at least nine dead and more than 60 injured, marking the most lethal assault on the Ukrainian capital since last summer. As explosions rocked the city, emergency teams rushed to the scene amidst the rising smoke, searching for survivors from a two-story apartment building that had sustained severe damage. The incident is part of a broader trend of increasing violence amid stalled peace negotiations.
Deadly Airstrikes Rock Kyiv as Russia Escalates Attacks
Deadly Airstrikes Rock Kyiv as Russia Escalates Attacks
Ukraine experiences the deadliest airstrikes in months, resulting in nine fatalities and over 60 injuries.
Early Thursday, explosions echoed through Kyiv, with Russian missile strikes impacting residential areas, causing significant destruction and chaos. Authorities confirmed nine fatalities and over 60 injuries, making this assault one of the most severe attacks on the city in recent memory. One missile struck a two-story building housing eight apartments, where rescue operations were underway. Eyewitnesses described the scene as they connected with loved ones, relieved to be alive despite the destruction around them.
Emergency service spokesperson Svitlana Vodolaha reported the rescue of individuals from the rubble as firefighters continued to comb through the debris. Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelensky, condemned the strikes, stating Russia’s attacks specifically targeted civilians.
In addition to Kyiv, the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv also faced drone and missile attacks that wounded at least two individuals. Mayor Ihor Terekhov described damage in residential neighborhoods as rescue efforts were initiated there too. As chaos ensued, the overall number of casualties across the nation remained uncertain on Thursday morning.
This brutal attack represents the deadliest of the ongoing conflict since last July when previous missile assaults resulted in the deaths of 41 people and the destruction of significant infrastructure in Kyiv, including a children's hospital. The current surge in violence poses severe challenges to ongoing peace talks, particularly after the Trump administration threatened to abandon negotiations altogether.
Critics have observed a shift in U.S. policy towards Russia and Ukraine since the Trump administration took office in January. With the U.S. declining to attend recent peace discussions in London, Ukrainian leaders, including President Zelensky, continue to reject proposals that would see Ukraine make significant territorial compromises to appease Russia. As the conflict rages on, the potential for peace remains uncertain amid increased military aggression.
Andrew E. Kramer contributed reporting from Kharkiv, while Oleksandra Mykolyshyn reported from Kyiv.
Emergency service spokesperson Svitlana Vodolaha reported the rescue of individuals from the rubble as firefighters continued to comb through the debris. Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelensky, condemned the strikes, stating Russia’s attacks specifically targeted civilians.
In addition to Kyiv, the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv also faced drone and missile attacks that wounded at least two individuals. Mayor Ihor Terekhov described damage in residential neighborhoods as rescue efforts were initiated there too. As chaos ensued, the overall number of casualties across the nation remained uncertain on Thursday morning.
This brutal attack represents the deadliest of the ongoing conflict since last July when previous missile assaults resulted in the deaths of 41 people and the destruction of significant infrastructure in Kyiv, including a children's hospital. The current surge in violence poses severe challenges to ongoing peace talks, particularly after the Trump administration threatened to abandon negotiations altogether.
Critics have observed a shift in U.S. policy towards Russia and Ukraine since the Trump administration took office in January. With the U.S. declining to attend recent peace discussions in London, Ukrainian leaders, including President Zelensky, continue to reject proposals that would see Ukraine make significant territorial compromises to appease Russia. As the conflict rages on, the potential for peace remains uncertain amid increased military aggression.
Andrew E. Kramer contributed reporting from Kharkiv, while Oleksandra Mykolyshyn reported from Kyiv.
