Kyiv Faces One of the Biggest Attacks Since the War Began
Russia launched its largest overnight drone and missile assault on Kyiv, leaving at least 27 people dead and 91 others injured. Among the injured were two children. Officials described the attack as the biggest strike on the Ukrainian capital in terms of the number of missiles and drones used.
The heavy bombardment damaged homes, public buildings, and emergency facilities across several parts of the city. Authorities ordered evacuations in affected neighborhoods while rescue teams rushed to search for survivors trapped under collapsed buildings.
Residential Areas Suffer Heavy Damage
One of the worst affected locations was the Darnytskyi district in southeastern Kyiv. Two missiles struck close to a residential area, causing widespread destruction.
The first missile created a huge crater beside a kindergarten. The explosion damaged nearby apartment buildings and left balconies twisted and burned.
Moments later, a second missile hit the end of a nine story apartment building. A large section collapsed into a pile of concrete and debris. Rescue workers continued searching through the rubble as worried families waited nearby for news of missing relatives.
Many vehicles were destroyed, windows shattered, and thick layers of ash covered streets and buildings across the neighborhood.
Thousands Take Shelter Underground
As air raid sirens sounded across the capital, thousands of residents rushed to underground metro stations for safety.
According to city officials, around 52,500 people sheltered in Kyiv’s subway system during the attack. The group included about 4,500 children. Authorities said this was one of the highest numbers recorded in recent years.
Survivors Share Their Experiences
Residents described the terrifying moments during the overnight strikes.
Svitlana, who lives next to the damaged apartment block, said she stayed in her hallway while explosions shook the area. She explained that years of living through attacks had changed how she reacted to the sound of missiles.
Her family has already suffered devastating losses during the war. A previous strike killed her mother, and her son later died while serving in Ukraine’s military.
Another resident, Oleksiy, suffered cuts after flying glass struck him. He had stepped outside after hearing the first explosion when the second missile landed nearby. Despite his injuries, he survived the attack.
Russia and Ukraine Exchange Accusations
Russian officials said the overnight strikes targeted military production facilities. Moscow claimed the operation responded to recent attacks on Russian civilian infrastructure and stated that pressure on Ukraine would continue.
Ukraine strongly rejected those claims. Officials argued that the missiles struck residential neighborhoods instead of military sites. They also said the attack should not be compared with Ukraine’s actions because the country is defending itself against the invasion.
Rescue Operations Continue
Emergency crews continued clearing debris throughout the day as they searched for anyone still trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
The latest assault highlights the continuing danger facing civilians in Kyiv. As rescue operations move forward, officials fear the number of casualties could rise if more victims are found under the rubble.
