Russia launched a large-scale overnight attack on Kyiv using ballistic missiles and attack drones, killing at least nine people and injuring 28 others, including four children, Ukrainian officials said.
According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia fired 35 missiles, including 27 ballistic missiles, and 185 attack drones during the assault. He said Ukrainian air defenses intercepted only one ballistic missile, blaming the low interception rate on a shortage of interceptor missiles for U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems.
Multiple explosions echoed across Kyiv as successive waves of missiles and drones struck the capital. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described it as "a night from hell," accusing Russia of intensifying attacks on civilians after failing to achieve its battlefield objectives.
Residential buildings, vehicles, and infrastructure were damaged across several districts. In the Solomianskyi district, emergency crews evacuated 35 residents from a burning five-story apartment building, while seven people were reported killed in the Darnytskyi district. Fires also broke out in several parts of the city, and power outages were reported.
The attack came just days after another major Russian strike on Ukraine and amid growing pressure from Kyiv for additional Patriot systems and interceptor missiles. Zelensky said air defense remains Ukraine's highest military priority, while U.S. President Donald Trump has yet to make a final decision on allowing Ukraine to manufacture Patriot systems under license.
Ukraine says Russia has intensified long-range missile and drone attacks as the war enters its fifth year, while Moscow continues to deny deliberately targeting civilians.
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