Kyyiv: In the early hours of Thursday, Kyiv suffered its most devastating assault in nearly a year, as Russian forces launched a major aerial attack involving 70 missiles and 145 drones, according to Ukraine’s Air Force. The strikes targeted various parts of the capital and other regions, killing at least eight people and injuring over 60, with some still trapped under rubble.
Ukraine’s emergency services reported that 13 sites across Kyiv were hit, including residential areas and civilian infrastructure. Images from the aftermath showed buildings engulfed in flames. Thursday’s assault is the most lethal since July 2024, when an airstrike on a hospital and nearby neighborhoods killed 33.
Search and rescue teams, including dogs and engineers, are working to locate people trapped in destroyed buildings, particularly in the Sviatoshyn district. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed that two children remain missing at one of the impact sites.
The attacks followed sharp criticism from US President Donald Trump, who accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of obstructing peace talks with Russia. Trump claimed Zelensky’s refusal to compromise, especially regarding Crimea, was hindering efforts to end the conflict. His administration reportedly proposed recognizing Russia’s control of Crimea—an idea strongly rejected by Ukraine and seen as a reversal of long-standing US policy.
Zelensky, who had been visiting South Africa, announced his immediate return to Ukraine after the strikes. “The world must see what’s happening,” he said, emphasizing the need for urgent support from international partners, especially in strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses.
Thursday’s missile and drone barrage targeted multiple Ukrainian regions beyond Kyiv, including Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Poltava. The Russian Defense Ministry stated the attacks were aimed at military and industrial infrastructure and claimed all objectives were achieved.
Despite Ukraine’s ongoing ceasefire commitment—now 44 days in effect—Russia has continued its aggression, Zelensky noted, urging the global community to hold Moscow accountable.
Air raid sirens blared across Kyiv for around six hours as residents sheltered in corridors and basements.
Amid the heightened violence, diplomatic progress appears to be stalling. Talks involving the US, UK, France, and Germany have been downgraded after key officials withdrew, and US Vice President JD Vance warned that Washington may abandon negotiations if no breakthrough is reached soon.
Trump’s comments added fuel to the fire, criticizing Zelensky’s stance as obstructive. Meanwhile, Steve Witkoff, the US Middle East envoy, is scheduled to visit Moscow on Friday for talks with President Vladimir Putin, as diplomatic efforts face growing uncertainty.
