Overnight Assault Across Multiple Cities
Russia carried out one of its heaviest aerial assaults on Ukraine overnight, striking the capital Kyiv and several other cities. According to Ukrainian authorities, at least 18 people were killed, including four children aged 2, 14, and 17.
The wave of strikes caused widespread destruction, damaging residential buildings, infrastructure, and international institutions operating in Ukraine. Kyiv officials described the bombardment as one of the most intense since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
Hundreds of Drones and Missiles Launched
Yuriy Ihnat, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Air Force, said Russia launched 598 drones and 31 missiles in a single night. A similar report highlighted that Russia had fired hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles during one of its largest assaults since the invasion began. He stressed that this scale of attack places it among the largest in the ongoing war.
Ukraine’s air defense systems reportedly intercepted a significant number of the incoming projectiles. However, the intensity of the strikes overwhelmed defenses in certain regions, leading to devastating casualties and damage.
Local media shared images of collapsed apartment blocks, shattered windows, and emergency crews working through the night to rescue survivors.
Civilian and Institutional Damage
The bombardment did not only hit homes. Ukrainian officials confirmed that the European Union’s mission building and the British Council office in Kyiv sustained damage during the attack.
The incidents sparked swift diplomatic reactions. The European Union and the United Kingdom summoned Russia’s ambassadors in Brussels and London respectively, demanding explanations for what they described as unacceptable strikes on civilian and diplomatic-linked sites.
Russia’s Justification and Ukraine’s Response
Moscow’s Defense Ministry claimed the operation targeted military-industrial facilities and airfields. Russian officials insisted that civilian infrastructure was not the intended objective.
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed these statements, accusing Moscow of deliberately targeting non-combatants. “This was a calculated massacre of civilians,” Zelensky said in an address, calling for stronger international support.
The Ukrainian government has long accused Russia of using missile and drone barrages to terrorize the population, particularly during winter months when energy infrastructure is at its most vulnerable.
International Reactions
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a strong condemnation. “The Kremlin is not only killing civilians, women, and children, but is now also striking at the European Union itself,” she said. She urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to return to peace negotiations.
In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that the British Council building in Kyiv was damaged. Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary David Lammy summoned Russia’s ambassador in London, describing the attacks as “barbaric and unjustifiable.”
Both EU and UK officials reiterated their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and promised continued assistance in air defense and humanitarian relief.
Escalation of the Conflict
The latest strikes come at a time of growing concern about the direction of the war. Russia has intensified its aerial campaigns in recent months, using Iranian-made Shahed drones and cruise missiles to pressure Ukraine’s military and population.
For Ukraine, maintaining strong air defenses is a priority. Western allies, particularly the United States and European nations, have supplied advanced systems such as Patriot missiles and NASAMS batteries. Yet, Ukrainian officials warn that the sheer number of drones deployed in single waves stretches their capacity.
According to the United Nations, since the war began, tens of thousands of civilians have been killed or injured, and millions displaced. The conflict has triggered the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II.
Outlook
The attacks highlight both the human toll of the war and the diplomatic stakes. While Moscow insists it is pursuing military objectives, the mounting civilian casualties continue to deepen its isolation on the global stage.
Ukraine, meanwhile, appeals for faster delivery of air defense systems, as well as stronger sanctions against Russia. With peace talks stalled and fighting escalating, the war shows no signs of ending soon.
