Deadly Russian Missile Barrage Devastates Kyiv and Kharkiv; At Least Nine Killed, Dozens Injured

 Kyiv, April 24 – In one of the most extensive aerial assaults on Ukraine in recent months, Russian forces launched a coordinated overnight attack involving ballistic missiles, guided munitions, and kamikaze drones, striking multiple cities including the capital Kyiv and the eastern hub of Kharkiv. At least nine people were confirmed dead, with over 70 injured, as emergency crews raced to rescue victims from the rubble.

The Ukrainian capital was subjected to waves of airstrikes beginning around 1:00 a.m. local time on Thursday. The Ukrainian air defense systems engaged throughout the night amid the thunder of explosions and the sharp crackle of anti-aircraft fire. Five districts across Kyiv reported significant damage, according to the city’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko.

In a statement posted on Telegram, Ukraine’s State Emergency Service said the combined missile and drone strikes had inflicted severe casualties, including injuries to six children and a pregnant woman. Civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings, vehicles, and utility facilities, was damaged or destroyed as a result of falling debris and direct strikes.

Meanwhile, in the northeastern city of Kharkiv, authorities reported that seven missiles and at least 12 Shahed-type drones struck multiple sites overnight. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov confirmed that private residences, a factory, and a high-rise apartment block were among the locations hit. "One of the most recent strikes hit a densely populated residential area. Two people were injured there," he said, urging continued vigilance among residents.

Further strikes were recorded in Pavlohrad, Zhytomyr, and parts of the Zaporizhzhia region, as Russia intensified its long-range bombardment across Ukraine.

As rescue teams worked to extract survivors in Kyiv, poignant scenes unfolded. In one incident, captured by photojournalist Kostyantyn Liberov, rescue personnel worked tirelessly to free a young woman trapped in the rubble as drone attacks continued overhead. “Honey, we’ll get you out no matter what. We’re right here,” one rescuer was heard reassuring the woman as the unmistakable buzz of a Shahed drone passed above.

The timing of the attack coincided with renewed political controversy, as former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for allegedly rejecting a proposed peace settlement that would involve the ceding of Crimea and other territories to Russia. Trump accused Zelenskyy of prolonging the conflict, a statement that drew swift and widespread condemnation on Ukrainian social media.

Responding from inside a Kyiv bomb shelter, Kyiv Independent editor Olga Rudenko wrote: “Can’t begin to explain how surreal it is to be sitting on the floor in the safest place of my apartment hearing an extremely loud Russian missile+drone attack – after having spent the entire day discussing and editing coverage of the US effectively demanding Ukraine’s surrender.”

Additional footage captured by videographer Anton Shtuka highlighted the emotional toll of the bombardment. “Sometimes it looks like these strikes hit our homes because Putin feels US support and begins to pressure Ukraine even more,” he remarked. “Thank you, partners,” he added with irony.

Commenting on the broader implications of the attack, Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian President’s Office, stated: “Putin shows only a desire to kill. The attacks on civilians must stop.”

This latest escalation comes amid continued calls from Ukrainian officials for stronger international support and enhanced air defense systems, as the war enters its third year with no sign of de-escalation.