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KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Early Thursday morning, Russia conducted a large-scale drone and missile assault on Ukraine's capital, resulting in one death and 31
injuries, according to local officials. The strikes targeted civilian infrastructure and residential areas across several cities, with Kyiv experiencing the most significant impact, as reported by Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko.
Extent of Damage in Kyiv
Damage occurred in six districts of Kyiv, as indicated by Tymur Tkachenko, the head of Kyiv's Military Administration. He noted that both ballistic missiles and drones were used in the assault, which caused extensive harm to residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure.Wider Impact Across Ukraine
In addition to Kyiv, the cities of Kremenchuk, Bila Tserkva, Kharkiv, Sumy, and Odesa were also affected by the attack, which involved both ballistic and cruise missiles, according to Svyrydenko.Casualties and Rescue Efforts
In the Darnytsia district of Kyiv, a multistory residential building partially collapsed, trapping residents under the debris. Ukrainian Emergency Services reported that at least 27 individuals were rescued from the rubble.Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported the destruction of 18 apartments and noted issues with water supply on the left bank of the city due to the attack.
Ongoing Emergency Operations
Emergency responders continued their search for survivors amidst the smoke and debris from the attack. In the Dnieper district, a drone struck the roof of a five-story residential building, and another building in the Dniprovskyi district sustained damage.Emergency operations were also reported in the Obolonskyi and Holosiivskyi districts of Kyiv.
Recent Escalation of Attacks
This assault followed a rare daytime attack on Kyiv that resulted in at least six fatalities, as stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The previous attack, which involved 800 drones, targeted approximately 20 regions of Ukraine and was among the longest attacks observed during the conflict.Zelenskyy described the Wednesday assault as designed to inflict maximum 'pain and grief.'
Political Context
The latest attack occurred shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism regarding a potential peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv. However, neither Trump nor Russian President Vladimir Putin provided specifics on what changes might facilitate a resolution.Both sides continue to uphold conflicting demands, and U.S.-led diplomatic efforts over the past year have made little progress on critical issues, including territorial disputes stemming from Russia's invasion.
