MWE Correspondent
Kyiv and several other regions of Ukraine endured one of the heaviest Russian bombardments in months on Thursday night, leaving at least 18 people dead and dozens more injured.
The attack, which included waves of drones and missiles, caused significant destruction across the capital and highlighted the growing intensity of Moscow’s military campaign.
According to Ukrainian officials, the assault lasted for hours and struck targets in seven different districts of Kyiv. Residential buildings, cultural centers, and even offices belonging to international organizations were damaged. Among the dead were four children, while nearly 40 others sustained injuries ranging from burns to shrapnel wounds. Smoke and fire lit up the city’s skyline as emergency crews worked through the night to rescue survivors trapped beneath rubble.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that almost 600 drones and 31 missiles were launched in the overnight assault, a scale that underscores the continued escalation of Russia’s offensive strategy. Although air defenses managed to intercept the majority, dozens still slipped through, causing destruction to homes, energy infrastructure, and civilian facilities.
Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, described the attack as one of the largest in recent months, saying residents had endured “a night of terror.” He praised the city’s emergency responders for their rapid reaction, noting that their efforts prevented an even higher death toll.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes, calling them Russia’s direct response to international diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending the conflict. “Russia chooses missiles over negotiations and destruction over peace,” he said in an address, renewing his appeal for tougher sanctions and greater military support from Ukraine’s allies.
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Moscow, however, maintained that the strikes were aimed solely at military and industrial targets, including weapons storage and air bases. The Russian Defense Ministry denied deliberately targeting civilians, a claim that Ukrainian authorities strongly dispute given the scale of civilian damage.
The timing of the assault raises further concerns about the prospects for renewed peace efforts. Despite international attempts to mediate, including high-level discussions in Europe and beyond, the conflict shows no signs of easing. Observers say the latest escalation demonstrates Russia’s determination to pressure Ukraine into territorial concessions while undermining civilian morale.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s national energy operator confirmed that power facilities were among the targets hit, leading to outages in several regions. Analysts warn that repeated strikes on energy infrastructure could become a long-term tactic to weaken Ukraine’s resilience as the war drags into its third year.
