KYIV — Russia launched a massive overnight attack on Kyiv using over 800 drones and 13 missiles, marking the largest such assault since the full-scale invasion, according to Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat. The barrage resulted in at least three deaths, including an infant, and left 18 people injured.
The strikes caused significant damage across the capital. A fire erupted on the top of a government administrative building in the Pecherskyi district. Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko stated on Facebook that this was the “first time the Government building, roof and upper floors have been damaged due to an enemy attack.”
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that the assault began with drones and was followed by missile strikes. In addition to the government building, drone debris and fires damaged residential buildings in several districts. A residential building was set ablaze in the Pecherskyi district, while parts of a nine-story building were destroyed in the western Sviatoshynskyi district.
Beyond Kyiv, Russian strikes also impacted other Ukrainian cities. The central city of Kremenchuk experienced dozens of blasts, leading to power outages. In the same region, strikes on Kryvyi Rih damaged transport and city infrastructure, though no injuries were reported.
Ukraine’s Response and International Condemnation
Ukrainian officials reported that their air defense forces shot down and neutralized 747 drones and four missiles during the attack. In retaliation, Ukraine launched a counterattack on the Druzhba oil pipeline in Russia’s Bryansk region, inflicting “comprehensive fire damage,” according to Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s drone forces.
The attack drew strong condemnation from international leaders.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave details of the damage on X, noting that some drones had crossed into Ukraine from Belarus. He also paid tribute to the country’s military intelligence officers, thanking them for their bravery.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated on X that “the Kremlin is mocking diplomacy, trampling international law and killing indiscriminately,” while reaffirming the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine.
- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the strikes “brutal” and “cowardly,” asserting that they prove Russian President Vladimir Putin “is not serious about peace.”
- French President Emmanuel Macron also took to X to express his support for the victims and the Ukrainian people, adding that “Russia, meanwhile, is locking itself ever deeper into the logic of war and terror.”