At Least 15 Lives Lost in Devastating Russian Assault on Kyiv

In a chilling escalation, recent missile attacks on Kyiv have left at least 15 confirmed dead and many more injured, marking one of the largest bombardments the city has seen in over three years.

At least 15 people have lost their lives amid a wave of Russian missile and drone strikes targeted at Kyiv, with dozens more reporting injuries. The assault, which occurred during the night into Tuesday, stands as one of the most extensive to hit the Ukrainian capital since Russia's full-scale invasion commenced. Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko disclosed that a staggering total of 440 drones and 32 missiles were launched at the nation, further indicating the intensification of Russian military operations in recent weeks.

The nighttime strikes lasted more than nine hours, forcing terrified residents to seek refuge in underground shelters as explosions rocked their city. One ballistic missile reportedly struck a nine-storey apartment building, leading to widespread destruction across the capital's 27 districts. "Waking up in utter nightmare: people trapped under rubble and full buildings collapsed," lamented Ukrainian MP Lesia Vasylenko in a post on X, expressing the horror residents faced.

As rescue teams worked tirelessly to free those trapped beneath the debris, additional air raid sirens later disturbed the efforts, complicating the search for survivors. Russia's Defense Ministry claimed its air defense units intercepted and destroyed 147 Ukrainian drones launched in retaliation during the assault.

In a statement condemning the strikes, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky characterized Russia's recent air operations as "pure terrorism," asserting that the actions were a testament to President Vladimir Putin's desire to sustain the ongoing war without regard for human cost. The situation was further complicated by simultaneous drone attacks on the southern city of Odesa, where one person died, and at least ten were injured.

Zelensky's hope for discussions with US President Donald Trump at the forthcoming G7 summit in Canada appears thwarted amid this latest surge of violence, with both leaders facing the pressing repercussions of the crisis. The relentless cycle of strikes highlights an alarming shift in the ongoing conflict, whose resolution feels increasingly distant amidst a backdrop of devastation and global concern.