Russian Assault on Kyiv Leaves 15 Dead, Dozens Wounded in Major Overnight Barrage

Major Attack Rocks Ukrainian Capital

Ukrainian authorities confirmed that overnight strikes by Russian forces on Kyiv resulted in a minimum of 15 deaths and left dozens more wounded. The extensive bombardment, lasting over nine hours from Monday night into Tuesday morning, forced residents into shelters continuously.

Scale of the Onslaught

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko stated that Russia launched a total of 440 drones and 32 missiles against Ukraine during the assault. Strikes impacted 27 districts of Kyiv, with officials reporting a ballistic missile directly striking a nine-story residential building. Rescue teams remain actively engaged in searching for survivors trapped under rubble. "Waking up in utter nightmare: people trapped under rubble and full buildings collapsed," Ukrainian MP Lesia Vasylenko posted on social media platform X.

Intensified Air Assaults

This attack represents one of the largest aerial assaults on the capital since Russia initiated its full-scale invasion more than three years ago. The city experienced loud explosions and the sound of machine gun fire from mobile Ukrainian air defense units attempting to intercept drones. Rescue efforts were later hampered by renewed air raid sirens.

Analysts note Russia has recently intensified attacks on Ukrainian cities, employing tactics involving large waves of drones and decoy munitions aimed at overwhelming Ukrainian air defenses.

Leadership Reactions and Wider Impact

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strikes as "pure terrorism," accusing Russian President Vladimir Putin of utilizing extensive firepower "solely because he can afford to continue this war." He criticized the international community, stating, "It is bad when the powerful of this world turn a blind eye to this."

Simultaneously, Russian defense officials claimed their air defenses intercepted and destroyed 147 Ukrainian drones launched overnight. Additional drone strikes struck the southern city of Odesa, resulting in at least one death and 10 injuries according to Minister Klymenko.

Diplomatic Context

The assault occurred amidst a backdrop of stalled ceasefire negotiations between the warring nations. President Zelensky's anticipated meeting with former US President Donald Trump during the G7 summit was reportedly canceled as Trump departed early amid escalating Middle East tensions, dealing a blow to Kyiv's hopes for strategic support. Ukraine continues its own retaliatory strikes as direct talks fail to yield significant breakthroughs.