Russian Airstrikes Devastate Kyiv, Leave Six Dead and Dozens Injured

In a devastating overnight assault, Russia launched a barrage of missiles and drones on Kyiv early Thursday, killing at least six people—including a six-year-old boy and his mother—and injuring over 80 others, according to Ukrainian officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that more than 300 drones and eight missiles were deployed in the attack, targeting residential areas across the capital. “Today, the world has once again witnessed Russia’s response to our aspiration for peace with the United States and Europe,” Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram. “This proves once again that peace without strength is impossible.”

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that nine children were among the wounded—the highest number of child casualties in a single night since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion more than three years ago.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and destruction. Yurii Kravchuk, 62, stood outside a damaged building, his head wrapped in a bandage. “I heard the missile alert and tried to wake my wife, but there was an explosion... My daughter is now in the hospital,” he told Reuters.

Emergency crews worked through the night to extinguish fires and cut through debris in search of survivors. Explosions continued for hours, and fires lit up the sky across Kyiv. Ukrainian officials confirmed that critical infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, was damaged in 27 separate locations.

The Ukrainian Air Force reported five direct missile impacts and 21 drone strikes in 12 areas of the city. Despite heavy defenses, only three cruise missiles and 288 drones were intercepted.

Russia, which denies targeting civilians, has significantly intensified its aerial bombardment of Ukrainian cities far from the frontlines in recent months.

Responding to the escalation, U.S. President Donald Trump warned on Tuesday that the United States would begin imposing tariffs and other punitive measures against Russia within ten days if Moscow fails to show credible steps toward ending the war.

“This is Putin’s response to Trump’s deadlines,” Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko stated. “The international community must respond with a war crimes tribunal and maximum pressure.”

President Zelenskyy also released a video showing burning ruins and ongoing rescue efforts, noting that several individuals remained trapped beneath the rubble of a partially collapsed residential building.